He July 4th It is a date marked by patriotism in the United States, where it is celebrated independence of the British colonies. However, not everyone knows that the declaration had initially been made two days earlier, on July 2nd 1776. This was the day when the Continental Congress finally passed the Lee Resolution, breaking political ties with Great Britain. John Adams He predicted that this day would be commemorated with festivitiesbut the accompanying document, the Declaration of Independencewas not ready until the July 4th.
Why the United States celebrates its independence two days later
In 1774, grievances against the British crown reached a fever pitch in the 13 American coloniesgiving rise to the first meeting of the Continental Congress in September of that year. The formal declaration of independence began with the resolution presented by Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776 at the Second Continental Congress. This proposition urged dissolve political ties with Great Britain.
To support this measure, the following was appointed: Committee of Fiveintegrated to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Roger Livingstonwho worked on a document that would justify the decision. This committee entrusted Jefferson with the initial drafting of what would become the Declaration of IndependenceJefferson completed a draft in just over two weeks, incorporating ideas from earlier documents.
Jefferson’s draft It was presented on June 28thfollowed by intense debates in the Continental Congress. The decisive vote for independence took place on July 2.. Caesar Rodneydelegate from Delaware, arrived just in time to break a tieand the Pennsylvania delegates abstained, tipping the balance in favor of the independence.
Despite this vote, the final text of the Declaration of Independence still needed adjustments, and The delegates reviewed the document during the days July 3rd and 4th.
He July 4th, 1776the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the day that is celebrated today as the anniversary of American independence..
The content of the Declaration of Independence was inspired by several previous documents. Among these, the Fairfax County Resolutionsco-written by George Washington and George Masonand the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776These influences are reflected in phrases such as “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
He 3rd of JulyCongress was still fine-tuning the document and then pushed to remove allusions to the abolition of slavery, focusing on rights and oppression by the king. Texts such as accusations that the king encouraged slaves to join British forces were watered down to ensure unity among colonies that were economically dependent on slave labor.
Finally, the July 4th was adopted and widely distributed Declaration of Independenceanticipating its pivotal role in America’s national spirit and celebration. Independence was officially secured with victory in the War of Independence in 1783.
Source: Infobae