ARLINGTON, Va. - s4story -- by Michael F. Bishop for David Bruce Smith's Grateful American Book Prize

The Declaration of American Independence

During the sweltering summer of 1776, the Second Continental Congress assembled at Liberty Hall in Philadelphia to officially declare American independence from Great Britain. The colonies had already been at war with Britain for more than a year, and it was clear that compromise was impossible. On July 2, the Congress voted unanimously (with the New York delegation abstaining) in favor of a resolution by Richard Henry Lee "that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states."

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be Solemnized with Pomp and Parade with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

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Adams was correct about everything except the date; instead of a vote in favor of independence, the annual July 4 celebration commemorates the day that the text of the Declaration of Independence—drafted by Thomas Jefferson and heavily amended by his colleagues—was approved.

For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends Pauline Maier's American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence.

History Matters is a feature courtesy of the Grateful American Book Prize. For more book recommendations and information about the annual award visit https://gratefulamericanbookprize.org/.