The Fourth of July is America's birthday, the day many people in the United States celebrate the founding of the country as an independent nation. On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American colonies were breaking away from British rule to become their own country.

The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, explained why America should be free and stated that all people have certain rights that no government should take away, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Revolutionary War had already started, but this document made it official: America was claiming its independence.

Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings. The fireworks are often linked to the “rockets' red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” mentioned in the national anthem, recalling the battles fought for independence. Many towns hold patriotic concerts, display the American flag, and read the Declaration of Independence aloud.

The holiday is also called Independence Day. When someone says they're having a Fourth of July party, they mean a celebration with hot dogs, watermelon, and sparklers. The Fourth of July is about the courage it took to start a new country based on the idea that people should govern themselves.