Independence Day

When speaking about our United States’ Independence Day and the Declaration of Independence, little is often said about two of the founding fathers, John Adams and Ben Franklin. These two are known in history for many accomplishments, but without the dedication to a different way of life that these two founding fathers had, we might celebrate Independence Day differently.

John Adams fought for our nation’s independence, and in spite of the difficult battles he never wavered in his support of our nation becoming free from tyranny. Because of Adams dedication to our nation becoming free, he risked being executed for treason. He was considered a traitor to the English Crown. John Adams risked all his worthy possessions, including his own life, to see our nation become independent and free.

In 1776 as a delegate to the Continental Congress John Adams was trying to convince some of his fellow delegates that America would be better off to separate from England. This time that was not an easy task as the American Revolutionary war was in full motion, and many people were against opposing England and felt it would be better to stay part of England rather than to form its own country. Adams after much debate convinced all twelve of the delegates that becoming independent was the best course of action. In July of 1776 there was a unanimous vote to make America an independent nation by adopting the Declaration of Independence.

“I must study Politics and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematics and Philosophy. (12 May 1780)” ― John Adams

Ben Franklin another founding father of the Declaration of Independence and a major contributor in getting the Declaration of Independence approved and adopted by the Continental Congress. Ben Franklin’s mission was to secure France’s assistance, both financially and militarily, in America’s fight against Britain for independence. Franklin’s job while very different from Adam’s was as challenging because both men had to use their powers of persuasion to convince others that opposing Britain was in everybody’s best interest. In order to convince France to join the colonies in their fight against England, Franklin had to use skillful diplomacy, and he also had to employ the use of spies. In the end, he almost single-handedly was able to convince France to join America.

Both John Adams and Ben Franklin were two of the five people who were asked to write and consult on the Declaration of Independence. And because of their hard work and dedication to the Declaration of Independence we are able to celebrate the Fourth of July every year. It was John Adams that predicted that every year after the Declaration of Independence was signed people around the United States would celebrate with fireworks, music, toasts, speeches, etc.

In 1776 after the Declaration of Independence was signed many places in America had modest celebrations because the war was still raging on, but celebrations were held after the document was signed. The first real organized celebration was in 1777, a year after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. That celebration was one a most elaborate celebrations and had many elements that would be included in future celebrations.

… Dr. Franklin was asked at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, “…what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?” Dr. Franklin responded sharply, “A Republic, if you can keep it.

(Thanks to www.IndependenceDayFun.com for providing information for this blog.)

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