When the initial battles in the Revolutionary Warbroke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By … See more

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which … See more

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration … See more

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress … See more