History of the 4th of July: Crash Course US History Special

CrashCourse
4 Jul 201305:28
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this Crash Course US History episode, John Green humorously explores the history and modern celebration of the Fourth of July, known as Independence Day in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the Continental Congress actually declared independence on July 2nd, 1776, with the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th, but the iconic document wasn't signed until later in August. Despite the historical inaccuracy, Americans have celebrated with feasts, fireworks, and gun salutes since 1777. The federal government formalized the holiday as a paid day off in 1938. Today, the celebration includes patriotic displays, fireworks, and cookouts, with the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as a notable event. The episode also touches on the tradition of gunfire and the historical coincidence of several ex-presidents' deaths on this day.

Takeaways
  • 🎆 Independence Day in the United States is celebrated on July 4th with various activities such as fireworks, barbecues, and family gatherings.
  • 📜 The Declaration of Independence was actually approved by the Continental Congress on July 2nd, 1776, with the formal announcement made two days later on July 4th.
  • 🎉 John Adams predicted that July 2nd would be celebrated with great festivity, but the 4th became the day of celebration instead.
  • 💥 Americans began celebrating Independence Day as early as 1777 with feasts, gun salutes, and fireworks.
  • 💰 Independence Day became an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870 and a paid holiday in 1938.
  • 🚫 Despite restrictions in many states, personal use of fireworks remains a popular way to celebrate the holiday.
  • 🔫 On July 4th, military bases often conduct a 50-gun salute at noon, and celebratory gunfire is common in some neighborhoods.
  • 💔 Two U.S. presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on July 4th, 1826, and James Madison died on July 4th, 1831.
  • 🍔 The 4th of July is a major day for food consumption, with cook-outs and the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest being highlights.
  • 📈 The current world record for hot dog eating is 68 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes, which equates to approximately 28,500 calories.
  • 🎉 Despite the historical inaccuracies in the date, the spirit of celebrating American independence is still very much alive and is worth commemorating.
Q & A

  • What is the significance of July 4th in the United States?

    -July 4th, known as Independence Day, is the day Americans celebrate their independence from Great Britain. It is marked by various activities such as fireworks, barbecues, and patriotic events.

  • What is the common misconception about the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

    -The common misconception is that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. However, the Continental Congress actually approved the resolution of independence on July 2nd, 1776.

  • Who proposed the Lee Resolution, and what was its purpose?

    -The Lee Resolution was proposed by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia in June 1776. It was a legal declaration of separation from England, signifying the intention of the colonies to become independent.

  • What did John Adams predict about the celebration of July 2nd?

    -John Adams predicted that July 2nd would be celebrated by future generations as a great anniversary festival with pomp, parades, games, sports, and various festivities.

  • When was the formal text of the Declaration of Independence approved?

    -The formal text of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th, 1776.

  • How did Americans start celebrating the 4th of July?

    -Americans began celebrating the 4th of July as early as 1777 with feasts, 13 gun salutes, and fireworks, as predicted by John Adams.

  • When did Independence Day become a paid holiday for federal employees in the United States?

    -Independence Day became a paid day off for federal employees in the United States in 1938.

  • What is the largest fireworks display in the United States on the 4th of July?

    -The largest fireworks display in the United States on the 4th of July is held in New York City.

  • Why have personal fireworks displays become less common in some areas?

    -Personal fireworks displays have become less common in some areas due to the litigious nature of modern American society and restrictions on the sale and personal use of fireworks in many states.

  • What is the tradition observed on most military bases on July 4th?

    -On most military bases, 50 gunshots, one for each state, are fired at noon on July 4th as a salute to the Union.

  • What is the significance of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July?

    -The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a major event that takes place annually on the 4th of July, symbolizing the American tradition of celebrating independence with food and competition.

  • What is the current world record for hot dogs and buns consumed in ten minutes?

    -The current world record for hot dogs and buns consumed in ten minutes is 68, held by Joey Chestnut.

Outlines
00:00
🎆 Independence Day Celebrations in the U.S.

The first paragraph introduces the topic of Independence Day in the United States, also known as the 4th of July. It humorously describes common American activities on this day, such as fireworks, shopping, family gatherings, and barbecues. The script then corrects a common misconception by explaining that while the Declaration of Independence is celebrated on July 4th, the Continental Congress actually approved the resolution of independence on July 2nd. It details the events of July 4th, 1776, and how the day has been celebrated historically with feasts, gun salutes, and fireworks. The paragraph also touches on the evolution of the holiday's observance and the modern-day legal restrictions on fireworks.

05:01
📜 Behind the Scenes of Crash Course US History

The second paragraph shifts focus to the production details of the Crash Course US History series. It mentions the roles of various team members, including the associate producer, writer, and graphics team. The paragraph encourages viewer interaction by inviting them to suggest new captions for the 'Libertage' in the comments section and to ask questions that will be answered by a team of historians. It concludes with a traditional sign-off, wishing viewers to 'be awesome,' and acknowledges the production and script supervisor roles.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Independence Day
Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of national celebration marked by various festivities such as fireworks, parades, barbecues, and other patriotic events. In the video, John Green discusses the historical significance and modern celebrations of Independence Day, emphasizing its role in American culture.
💡Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is the document in which the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from British rule. It was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and is a foundational text of American democracy. The video explains that while the resolution for independence was approved on July 2nd, the formal announcement, the Declaration itself, was approved two days later, which is why Americans celebrate on the 4th.
💡John Adams
John Adams was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the second President. He is mentioned in the video as having predicted that July 2nd would be celebrated as a great anniversary festival, although the celebrations actually took place on the 4th. Adams's enthusiasm for the independence of the United States is highlighted, showing his role in advocating for the recognition of the day.
💡Fireworks
Fireworks are a popular feature of 4th of July celebrations in the United States. They symbolize the explosive start of the country's independence and are a key element of the festivities. The video mentions that despite restrictions in some areas, many people still partake in setting off fireworks, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere and sometimes causing stress for pets, as humorously noted by the host.
💡Federal Holiday
A federal holiday is a public holiday in the United States recognized by the federal government. Independence Day became an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870 and a paid day off in 1938. The video discusses the evolution of the holiday's status, reflecting the growing importance of the day in American society and its eventual formal recognition by the government.
💡Patriotic Displays
Patriotic displays are exhibitions of national pride that often accompany Independence Day celebrations. They include decorations, such as flags and banners, and events like fireworks and parades. The video describes how these displays have become a staple of 4th of July observances, reinforcing the theme of national unity and pride.
💡Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual eating competition that takes place in Coney Island, New York, on the 4th of July. It is a well-known and highly anticipated event that has become part of the Independence Day tradition. The video mentions the contest as an example of the unique and somewhat eccentric ways in which Americans celebrate their national holiday.
💡Celebratory Gunfire
Celebratory gunfire is the act of firing guns into the air to celebrate an event or occasion. The video points out that while this practice is common in some neighborhoods, it can be dangerous and is often discouraged or illegal. It is mentioned in the context of 4th of July celebrations, showing another aspect of how people mark the day.
💡Libertage
The Libertage is a humorous and creative element of the Crash Course series, where a personified representation of the Liberty Bell provides commentary or reacts to the information presented. In the video, the Libertage is used to add humor and to engage the audience with the topic of Independence Day, including a mention of a bullet hole in its 'house' as a nod to celebratory gunfire.
💡Crash Course
Crash Course is an educational YouTube channel that offers fast-paced and informative videos on a variety of subjects, including history, science, and literature. The video script provided is from an episode of Crash Course US History, hosted by John Green, which focuses on explaining the history and traditions associated with Independence Day in an engaging and accessible manner.
💡Historical Inaccuracy
Historical inaccuracy refers to the incorrect or misleading representation of historical events or facts. The video humorously addresses the common misconception that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, when in fact, the resolution for independence was approved two days earlier. This highlights the importance of understanding history while also acknowledging the enduring traditions that grow from such inaccuracies.
Highlights

July 4th, known as Independence Day in the U.S., is celebrated with fireworks, discounts, and family gatherings.

The Declaration of Independence was actually approved by the Continental Congress on July 2nd, not July 4th.

John Adams predicted July 2nd would be celebrated as a great anniversary festival with various festivities.

The formal text of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th, 1776.

The final, calligraphic version of the Declaration was not signed by Congress members until August 2nd.

Americans began celebrating the 4th of July as early as 1777 with feasts, gun salutes, and fireworks.

George Washington gave his soldiers a double ration of rum to celebrate the Fourth in 1778.

Independence Day became an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870 and a paid day off in 1938.

Modern 4th of July celebrations often involve patriotic displays and fireworks, resembling a one-day 'fake war'.

The number of bonfires during 4th of July celebrations has decreased due to the litigious nature of modern society.

New York City's fireworks display is the largest in the nation on the Fourth of July.

Despite restrictions, many individuals still set off fireworks in their yards for personal celebrations.

On military bases, 50 gunshots are fired at noon on July 4th as a salute to the Union.

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, all former U.S. presidents, died on the Fourth of July.

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a major event that coincides with the 4th of July celebrations.

The current world record for hot dogs eaten in ten minutes is 68, consumed by Joey Chestnut.

Crash Course suggests that despite the historical inaccuracies, the spirit of celebrating American independence is still worth honoring.

Transcripts

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US HistoryIndependence Day4th of JulyDeclaration of IndependenceJohn AdamsAmerican TraditionsFireworksPatriotic CelebrationsHistorical EventsAmerican RevolutionCrash Course