All about the US I : Independence Day

Last Monday it was Independence Day, a very important day for the United States. It was on this day in 1776 that after a lot of years of working hard for the United Kingdom, of preparing manufactured products for them, of belonging to another country... the United States said "no more". What does it mean ? It simply means that the United States is a very young country which has gone through a lot of suffering to consider its hard-earned independence from the British Empire. Let's learn some trivia facts and customs about this day : 

1. It all started with tea : tea lit the spark of independence : Surprising though it may sound, tea is very much responsible for the United States' independence. The British Parliament decided to raise taxes in some goods including tea. This was badly considered by the Americans ("no taxation without representation") and they reacted by throwing the tea of boats into the sea ! This act of 1773 reignited the feeling of revolt that would lead to the Revolutionary War of 1776. 

From : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Tea_Party 

2. Stamp also led to independence : The British Parliament also decided to impose a special tax on stamps, forcing the American colonies to use stamps produced in the United Kingdom. Obviously, Americans were furious with this decision, so they protested formally in the Stamp Act Congress, considering the United Kingdom had no rights to tax them. This was also followed by revolts and riots on the streets. 

From : http://hdimagelib.com/stamp+act+congress

3. Why are there 13 stripes in the US flag ? : In 1776, thirteen colonies, namely Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island and Province Plantations proclaimed themselves free from the tyranny of the United Kingdom. The thirteen stripes are a homage to these first "thirteen heroes". I can't believe why some people say that number thirteen brings bad luck ! Well, may be for the UK, he he ! 

From : http://slideplayer.com/slide/737638/

4. Independence was hard to get : Revolutionary War and Treaty of Paris : Although the official year of Independence was 4th July 1776, it was, in fact, a very long process : it was first signed in August 1776. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. However, actual independence wouldn't come to an end until 1783, after the Revolutionary War. That year, the Treaty of Paris was signed, stating the borders of the United States and especially its complete autonomy and self-determination from the United Kingdom. 

From : http://www.latinorebels.com/tag/declaration-of-independence/

From : http://americainclass.org/sources/makingrevolution/war/text9/text9.htm

5. Modern celebrations of Independence Day : Independence Day is a bank holiday in the US and one of the most important festivals. People go out, hang US flags on their houses and even wear patterns of it in their clothes, they have barbecues or picnics with family and friends, there are big parades all over the US, firework displays, and other important events. Most importantly, the American Independence has become a leitmotif in films, books, all around the globe; a symbol for freedom, bravery and independence. 
Here you can see some news about the Fourth of July (more common than Independence Day)

Did you enjoy a little bit more about July, 4th ? I hope so. If you are not so fond of reading and prefer videos, I recommend you watch this last video which somehow summarizes my post. See you next week with some more symbols of the US !