Independence Day, July 4, is a significant holiday across the pond in the USA, but there’s no reason why we Brits – despite being the enemy during the War of Independence – can’t get in on the act and celebrate with a hot dog or two.

Britain and America now have a close relationship, forged during two world wars, and especially during the Cold War. 

The “special relationship” as it has become known, was far from special back in the early part of the 18th century when, it’s fair to say, unrest in the 13 British colonies on the north eastern seaboard of the Americas was causing a bit of a rift between colonists and the British Parliament.

Trouble had been brewing for a while and resulted in the “Boston Tea Party” in 1773. It was one event that highlighted the growing animosity between the British Government and some people who were now calling themselves “Americans”, especially over the issue of taxation.

It was a somewhat bizarre protest, which involved a group of Massachusetts businessmen, disguised as Mohawk indians, boarding three British-owned clippers and dumping 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbour.

The British did not take to this too kindly, and it became a significant step on the road to the American Revolution and War of Independence between 1775-1783.

With assistance from France, turning what had essentially been a civil war into an international conflict, the 13 colonies fought against Britain to establish its independence, and, as we are all aware, ultimately successful in their colonial revolt. 

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favour of independence. The Declaration of Independence stated that the 13 American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now free, united and independent states. It opens with the famous lines; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” 

In a remarkable coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both signed the Declaration of Independence and went on to become elected to the post of president of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 – exactly 50 years later. Fast forward to this present day, to mark the occasion, famous landmarks are lit up with bright lights and spectacular firework displays are held in some of America’s biggest cities.

The Empire State building is proudly lit in red, white and blue each Independence Day, while, in addition to a fireworks show, The Miami Tower in Miami, Florida, is also lit up.

In Britain, although we don’t formally celebrate July 4, many still decide to visit George Washington’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire and some check out the American Museum in Bath. If you have plans on visiting either, certain Covid-19 restrictions may be in place, so please check first. But you can visit them virtually on sulgravemanor.org.uk and americanmuseum.org.

Alternatively, tuck into great American dishes, such as burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, Boston baked beans and barbecued ribs.

Let bygones be bygones and fire up the BBQ and join the party.

Four facts for July 4

  • The White House celebrated Independence Day for the first time in 1801.
  • The stars on the original American flag were created in a circle so all the colonies would appear equal.
  • In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. Today the population of the USA is 330 million.
  • Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on July 4.