What actually happened on 4 July 1776?

Question

I had read that there was no meeting or convention but the Declaration of Independence was being hand carried to the various delegates for signature. And that on this date either the delegate representing the 9th or 10th state or the final 13th signed today. It was an actually quiet day. Anybody?

Answer 1

That's true.  The Revolutionary War was already raging when the Declaration of Independence was written.  At the time it was considered only a very minor document.  Personally I think it was Thomas Jefferson's writing style that has made it what it is.   He's sort of a hero of mine, and his ideas are very well represented today because of all the founding fathers he was the best writer (and probably the best thinker).

Our revolution began with the colonists demanding only the same rights as other British subjects had.  They didn't want independence until after Thomas Paine published 'Common Sense' in January of 1776.  Common Sense sold more copies than there were households in the colonies!

If I remember right, the last states signed the Declaration in August of 1776.  But John Adams signed on July 2 and predicted that July 2 would become a great American holiday.

Answer 2

So, in 1776, we declared our independence from the tyrannical England, right? Absolutely and that is why we celebrate 4th of July today, but did you know that we actually declared our independence and adopted the Declaration on July 2? Before you start calling your 1st grade teacher a liar, let me explain. The 4th of July is the day that the "official" wording was "approved." So, technically we declared our independence on the 2nd but all the smart guys said, "hey, let's make sure the t's are crossed right," so now we celebrate it on the 4th. It was another month or so before the document was completed with signatures. So, we technically declared our independence on July 2 but celebrate the 4th. No complaints here. If it were the other way, we'd have all had Wednesday off this week instead of a nice 3-day weekend Friday. I might feel differently in a few years when it's landing mid-week.

Answer 3

You are correct.  If you are really wanting to know more...watch HBO's John Adams series or read David McCullogh's book on John Adams.

There was more emotional relief than anything because up to that point, the colony's were not entirely together on Independence.  They all feared what England would do.  We owe more to the French than anything for helping us win our freedom.

I love Benjamin Franklin's quote to a member when asked what did we have:  "A Republic if we can Keep it!"

Try to rent or check out HBO's series it was very, very good.

Answer 4

they created something good and beautiful that every government since has been bound to destroy and recreate ever since that date

Answer 5

yes. we didnt officially become independent till after the war. the declaration signing  was rather an 'up yours' petition to the brits maybe

Answer 6

Good to see that you're reading your history.

Answer 7

*uncule sam*scood som hooker and mloved and did it every july 4

Answer 8

not much, until it was read to the public on the 8th, signed the 2nd, ratifed the 3rd, I guess the 4th they had a few ales...and called it good..

Answer 9

We said BULLOCKS! To the queen.lol