The History of US Independence Day

Origins of the American Revolution

Tensions had been brewing between the colonies and the British government mainly due to issues like taxation without representation and restrictions on trade.

Stamp Act and Tea Act

The British Parliament passed various acts, including the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Tea Act of 1773, which fueled resentment among colonists.

Boston Tea Party

In response to the Tea Act, a group of colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded British ships and dumped chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in December 1773.

The First Continental Congress

In September 1774, representatives from twelve colonies convened in Philadelphia to discuss their grievances against British policies and establish a unified response.

Battles of Lexington and Concord

On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with clashes between British troops and colonial militia in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.

The Second Continental Congress

In May 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened, appointing George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, which was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.

The Treaty of Paris

On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation and establishing its boundaries.