A few days ago it was the fourth of July, American Independence Day. If you are an American you will know all about the history but if you aren't you might be intrigued to know.
Despite the argument that independence may have come before the fourth it was on this day that the declaration was proclaimed in 1776. Back then the United States was made up of thirteen colonies which were ruled by Great Britain's head of state King George III. Now the Americans didn't like having to pay taxes to Great Britain they wanted to be able to make their own decisions and not be told what to do by some other country miles away. With King George in no mood to talk it through he sent in more soldiers to deal with the situation. But this would not have the effect he had hoped. It caused the American Revolution in April 1775. After a year of getting nowhere they set up a committee to draft the declaration. Thomas Jefferson was one of the many men that helped write the declaration. He would later become the United States third president in 1801 and would hold office until 1809. He was known as a brilliant man and having helped establish independence it is oddly fitting that he died on July 4th 1826.
Independence Day is not surprisingly a national holiday in America and they celebrate with parades. It is also very much a tradition to have fireworks. Spending time with family and friends and eating outdoors are also traditional ways to celebrate.