Taxation without representation, that's what started the Revolutionary War that caused the thirteen colonies to revolt against England. The colonies felt that being taxed without representation in the English Parliament was unfair. The British felt the tax was justified because of the vast amount of money the British government spent for the French and Indian War. When the war ended in 1763, the King of England, King George III , decided to tax the colonies to recoup those costs.

 

The British empire enacted a series of laws to impose certain taxes but the colonies resisted paying the taxes imposed which led up to the Boston Massacre in 1770. The infuriated colonists refused to pay the taxes so the British government rescinded the taxes but decided to use another ploy to tax the colonies. The English Parliament through secret agreements with the East India Company would levy a duty tax on the imported tea. The East India Company was given a monopoly on all tea that was exported to the colonies. The colonists were not fooled by this ploy and these events lead up to the Boston Tea Party in December of 1773. The British response was to close down the Boston harbor fueling the flames of discontent.

 

These events lead up to the American Revolutionary war. On July 2nd 1776 the Second Continental Congress decided to approve a resolution of independence. It was this day that the forefathers of our country thought it would be a monumental day that would be celebrated by all the Americans as the beginning of their independence. But it was July 4th that the Declaration of Independence was passed and signed by the Continental Congress and it is this day we celebrate as our Independence Day.

 

All over this great land of ours we celebrate the 4th of July with picnics, parades, fairs, carnivals etc... . Each state, each city the type of celebrations or functions held may be different but the purpose is clear, we celebrate our heritage, the birth of our freedom, and we honor those who sacrificed their lives in order for us to be free. It doesn't matter if you are a first generation American or a descendant of one of the original colonists, we are all Americans. This celebration of Independence Day is for all of us. Becoming an American citizen is to become part of its history and culture.

Go to Mall4Men  and show your patriotism with a men's ring with eagle, men's military ring or men's military watch. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday.