If you grew up in the United States, there are probably some things that you have always believed to be true, simply because they are part of the mythos that Americans perpetuate. One of our biggest celebrations, Independence Day, definitely has its own stories that have been exaggerated, or even outright lies that have been completely fabricated, about both its origins and the traditions that the holiday upholds and celebrates.
Each year, millions of Americans observe the Fourth of July, or Independence Day. Those celebrations usually include fireworks, maybe a pool if you’re lucky, and family gatherings. When I was growing up, they also included lightning bugs and country music playing late and loud while all the kids ran around in the front yard and the adults drank and sang along. Romantic, right?
But what is Independence Day really about? What are the events that led to the first Independence Day in 1776? These are two questions I never really asked myself until I had a kid and realized that a lot of the history we’re taught in American schools is made up of half-truths at best.
At its core, Independence Day is about the rebellion that the 13 colonies launched against King George III. The rebellion culminated in a victory for the colonies, and the Declaration of Independence was issued on July 2, 1776. We observe Independence Day on July 4 because that’s when the declaration was officially finalized.
But the reality of America in 1776 is that only a portion of the population — namely wealthy white male property owners and legislators — would reap the full benefits of the Declaration for decades.
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/first-independence-day/