The Birth of a Nation’s Freedom: Exploring the History and Meaning of the 4th of July

The 4th of July is one of the most important dates for Americans. But what exactly is celebrated on that day?

To begin with, the 4th of July has been a national holiday in the United States since 1941. However, the history behind this date goes further back in time: specifically, we have to go back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. This significant day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, where the United States definitively separated from the British Empire.

A Brief History Lesson: Independence Day

It all began on July 2, 1776. On that day, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, the delegates of the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted by Thomas Jefferson (who later became President and ironically died on another July 4th).

Since then, the 4th of July has been celebrated as the official birth of American independence. It is one of the most significant celebrations in the country and, as such, is commemorated in grand fashion: with parades, concerts, fireworks, and more.

The 4th of July in fiction

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The significance of this date for Americans is such that we have seen it represented in numerous works of fiction throughout time. One of the most recent and famous examples is Stranger Things, whose third season was also released on July 4th. To add to the excitement, this fact was emphasized in its promotional posters and teasers.

There are many other movies and series that have celebrated it in their own way, either through their storyline or by being released on the same July 4th. Below, we have listed some that you shouldn’t miss:

Independence Day

Crystal clear. “Independence Day” was released on July 3, 1996 (just barely missing the actual date) and tells the story of an alien invasion that begins on July 2. You might already imagine the outcome. To this day, it remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time and even won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.

Live Free or Die Hard

If you enjoy action-packed popcorn movies, this is the film for you. The beloved John McClane returns to deliver a beatdown for a fourth and final time in “Live Free or Die Hard,” but with a different twist. This time, terrorism has taken a digital route. In the movie, the terrorists choose to attack on the 4th of July and completely bring down the United States’ network. To find out what happens next, we urge you to take a look at “Live Free or Die Hard.”

Do you know of any other films that deal with or include the 4th of July in some way?

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