USA Independence Day, 4 July 2016

[billie_morini]

Happy Birthday, USA! 240 years!

[waikikikichan]

USA! 240 years

Might not make it to 242 years if Trump becomes President.

[drowningbitbybit]

240 years ago, the Brits got rid of the US... and now they're getting rid of Europe! ...and probably Scotland too!

[surf patrol]

That picture is seriously American Bille!
Happy Independence Day

[dtc]

Co incidentally I just read that the Declaration of Independence was agreed on 2 July and not signed until 19 July

[pmcaero]

USA! 240 years

Might not make it to 242 years if Trump becomes President.

It will become Overlord Trump day and everyone will have to go spend at least $1000 in a Trump Federal Casino.

[BoMan]

Here is a video that tells the true story of the US National Anthem. If you watch, you will never think of it in the same way again. Happy 4th of July!

[billie_morini]

Co incidentally I just read that the Declaration of Independence was agreed on 2 July and not signed until 19 July

Here are the 1776 details.
2 July - Congress, led by John Adams, voted unanimously for Independence from Great Britain
3 July - Independence day celebration date set as 4 July by John Adams
4 July - Declaration agreement written (ratified) by Thomas Jefferson and 200 copies printed without signature for public distribution
19 July - Declaration copy engrossed (printed in large font), included edits by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin
2 August - Engrossed copy of Declaration signed

[billie_morini]

More context.
US independence from Great Britain was achieved in the American Revolution (or, commonly stated by school children, the "American Revolutionary War"). This war occurred between 1765 and 1783. Even though the 13 colonies declared independence in 1776, independence was not assured until the 1783 treaty was executed.

The US ntational anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. The primary reason for this war were trade restrictions imposed on the US by the United Kingdom. (By the way, Canada sided with UK and fought the US.) This war began in Summer 1812 and ran for almost 3 years. The specific battle that inspired Scott occurred in and around Baltimore, Maryland, involved fighting on land and sea, and occurred in 1814.