Episode 22: Independence Day in the United States

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore captivating topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live and work in New York City, and I’m a language enthusiast who has always been interested in the best ways to learn a new language. 

I said it in the previous episode, but I’m so thankful for your support, and I’m excited to continue to provide English audio to help you on your journey to becoming fluent in English. So, let’s go! 

We are about to celebrate one of the biggest holidays in the United States this week, and I’d like to talk a little bit about it for this episode. I don’t want anyone to think we [00:01:00] have holidays every week. I know I talked about Juneteenth in episode 21, but July does have a few holidays in the United States. 

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a significant holiday here in the U.S. It is a day of patriotism and joy, marked by vibrant celebrations and traditions. In this episode, I’m going to talk a little bit about the historical significance and customs, and I’ll also share some interesting facts about this important American day. 

The 4th of July holiday, officially commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. This historic document announced that the original 13 American colonies were going to be independent from Great Britain. 

But let [00:02:00] me give a little background information first. In the 1700s, what is now the United States was a group of 13 colonies under British rule. These colonies were located along the east coast of the present-day United States. Over time, the colonies became tired of the British rule, particularly because of the large amounts of taxes they had to pay without being represented in the British parliament. This meant that the colonies had almost no say in policies or laws, even though they were paying taxes under British rule. “Taxation without representation” was the phrase they use to describe this situation. 

One famous protest against British taxes was the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Colonists dressed as a Native Americans and threw [00:03:00] 92,000 pounds of British tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act. That’s over 41,000 kilograms! Essentially, the Tea Act was a law designed to help a struggling British tea company, forcing colonists to buy tea only from that company, and paying taxes on the tea. 

The Tea Party was one of many events that led to increasing tensions between the colonies and Britain. In 1775, these tensions erupted into the American Revolutionary War. The colonists fought for independence from Great Britain, believing they had the right to govern themselves. 

Thomas Jefferson who later served as President of the United States, wrote the first version of the Declaration of Independence. This document declared that the 13 colonies were free and [00:04:00] independent states. It outlined the colonists’ grievances,, or complaints against King George III. The document also announced their belief in the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, a group representing the colonies, met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they discussed and debated the future of the 13 colonies, and ultimately decided to become independent from Great Britain. 

The Declaration of Independence was officially adopted that day, July 4th, 1776. This date is now celebrated every year as Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone of American democracy and a powerful statement of individual rights. [00:05:00] 

The journey to independence was not easy. The American Revolutionary War, fought from 1775 to 1783, against powerful Great Britain was a long and difficult struggle. However, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a pivotal moment that marked the birth of a new nation, the United States of America. 

News of the declaration spread quickly throughout the colonies. While the war continued for several years, July 4th, 1776 marked a turning point. Celebrations erupted across the colonies, with colonists reading the declaration, firing cannons, and holding bonfires. These early celebrations were more about expressing defiance and celebrating a new beginning than the elaborate festivities we see [00:06:00] today. 

Americans now celebrate this day with similar enthusiasm. The celebrations are a blend of traditional and modern practices. One of the most popular traditions on the 4th of July is watching fireworks. Fireworks displays are held in cities and towns across the country. The bright colors and loud explosions are a way to celebrate the excitement and joy of independence. The tradition of using fireworks dates back to the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1777. 

Another popular tradition is the 4th of July parade. Local communities organized parades, featuring marching bands and performances. Crowds watch, dressed in the national colors of red, white, and blue, waving American flags and cheering. Barbecues and picnics are also a significant part of the 4th of [00:07:00] July celebrations. Families and friends gathered to enjoy traditional American foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie. These gatherings often include games and activities, creating a festive atmosphere. 

 An interesting fact about the 4th of July is that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both signed the Declaration of Independence and were presidents of the United States, died on the very same day, July 4th, 1826, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. While this is only a coincidence, it does add to the historical significance of the day. 

Another interesting story is about the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is an important symbol of American independence, and it is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Created in [00:08:00] 1752, the bell originally served to call lawmakers to legislative sessions, and to alert citizens about public meetings and announcements. However, it gained great importance after it reportedly rang on July 8th, 1776, to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. 

The bell is famous for having a large crack, which occurred in the early 19th century, and this crack became bigger during unsuccessful attempts to repair it. Despite this imperfection, the Liberty Bell stands as a powerful emblem of freedom and unity in the United States. It can be viewed today in Philadelphia. 

In conclusion, the 4th of July is a huge historical and culturally significant day in the United States. The United States is [00:09:00] certainly not perfect, but July 4th is a time to recognize the spirit of freedom that forms the core of American values. It’s a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. And I’ll be here in New York City, watching the fireworks over the Hudson River, on the west side of Manhattan.. 

I hope you were able to understand most of the content in this episode, and don’t forget, as always, there’s a transcript available to help you with your understanding. You can find the link in the episode notes. I recommend listening again with the transcript to help with anything that wasn’t clear. 

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me and future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now, wherever you listen to podcasts and let’s embark on an adventure together and clear. [00:10:00] Understandable English. Again, sincere. Thanks for listening to the show. 

See you soon.