We here in the States are a large levels of hoopla surrounding our country's semiquincentennial come Saturday - but is it?
Speaking as an historian (and, yes, as an inveterate contrarian), I would argue no.
The onliest thing that happened July 4, 1776, was that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence (the last, john McKean, signed sometime after January 1777; I have heard it credited as having been as late as 1803). And I would posit that declaring ain't being - but if you are of the persuasion that the Declaration is the big deal, you should celebrate this Thursday, not Saturday; after all, the Continental Congress passed it July 2.
I, however, of the a mind that you gots to back it up; independence was still a goal 7/4/1776, not a reality. So, allow me to offer some alternative dates that make more sense, like:
Oct. 19, 2031 - 250th anniversary of the British surrender at Yorktown, which assured a Colonial victory and thus independence, or
Sept. 10, 2033 - 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris, wherein His Majesty's Government formally recognized said freedom, erasing all doubt, or
June 21, 2038 - 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution, and thus the actual birth of the nation we know today.
Just some food for thought.
And please don't let my rational approach to the matter deter you from eating grilled food, drinking fermented malt beverages, and blowing crap up come Saturday if you are so moved........ (But if you do, don't rule out doing it again in 5, 7, and/or 12 years.)
Peter
I'm a big fan of March 23rd, 1783 — the day that the news that Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands recognized our sovereignty reached Philadelphia, which was the seat of government here at the time.
The 4th wasn't celebrated as a holiday until much later.
Yes, yes, yes; however, February 9, 1964 might quite possibly be the most important date in the history of the United States, even if it occurred much later than these other somewhat notable events.
(As an aside, we've been watching the historical mini-series' on Netflix, and they're quite good. We've watched both Roosevelts, Washington, and were in the middle of Lincoln.)
Quote from: David Houck on July 02, 2026, 05:33:33 PMYes, yes, yes; however, February 9, 1964 might quite possibly be the most important date in the history of the United States, even if it occurred much later than these other somewhat notable events.
Certainly a much more enjoyable thing to celebrate.
Quote from: David Houck on July 02, 2026, 05:33:33 PM(As an aside, we've been watching the historical mini-series' on Netflix, and they're quite good. We've watched both Roosevelts, Washington, and were in the middle of Lincoln.)
Continuing the aside, and more directly related to the original post, we've been slowly making our way through Ken Burns' The American Revolution on PBS. It's very good; highly recommended.