USCIS 128:125. What is Independence Day?

OpenAI. (2026).   What is Independence Day?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Independence Day is a national holiday that celebrates the independence of the United States from Great Britain.

Many Americans also call Independence Day the country’s birthday because it celebrates the beginning of the United States as an independent nation.

Before independence, the 13 American colonies were controlled by Great Britain.

During the 1700s, many colonists became unhappy with British taxes and laws. They believed they should have more self-government and representation in the British Parliament.  In 1775, fighting began between the colonies and Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence by approving the Lee Resolution.  Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the United States Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration announced that the colonies were free and independent from British rule.  The document also explained important ideas about liberty, equality, natural rights, and self-government.  One famous line says that “all men are created equal” and are born with rights such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read for the first time in Philadelphia. Bells rang throughout the city, including the famous Liberty Bell.  The first anniversary of independence was celebrated on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia with speeches, concerts, military salutes, bonfires, and fireworks.

On July 4, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson hosted the first Independence Day celebration at the White House.

On July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of independence, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day.

During the 1800s, Independence Day became an important patriotic holiday across the growing United States.

However, many Americans also pointed out that the ideals of freedom and equality were not fully shared by everyone. Women could not vote, many Native Americans were excluded from political rights, and millions of African Americans remained enslaved.  Abolitionists argued that the promises of the Declaration of Independence should apply to enslaved African Americans.

During the American Civil War, Americans connected Independence Day to preserving the Union and expanding freedom.  After President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, many Americans more strongly connected Independence Day with ending slavery and expanding liberty.

During the nation’s Centennial celebration in 1876, women’s rights activists presented the “Declaration of the Rights of Women” outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  The suffragists argued that the ideals of freedom and equality in the Declaration of Independence should also apply to women.

In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day into a paid federal holiday for all federal employees.

During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. argued that the promises of freedom and equality in the Declaration of Independence should apply equally to all Americans.

On July 4, 1960, the new 50-star American flag was flown for the first time at Fort McHenry after Hawaii became the 50th state.

Today, Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4th across the United States.  Communities celebrate with fireworks, concerts, parades, sporting events, festivals, barbecues, and community gatherings. The American flag is displayed widely, and patriotic songs such as The Star-Spangled Banner are often performed.

Many naturalization ceremonies for new citizens are also held on or near Independence Day because the holiday celebrates democracy, citizenship, and American ideals.

Today, the Civic Season, observed  between Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (July 4), is an emerging annual initiative to learn American history, build civic skills, and participate in community activities.  Together, both holidays celebrate the founding of the United States and the continuing effort to protect freedom, equality, democracy, and self-government.