One Day in History: July 4, 1776

On a summer day in July,1776in PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniathe world changed forever. On July 4thirteen English colonies on the continent of North America decided to declare themselves free and independent statesunited in their purpose of forming a new nation. The approval of that decision on July 4 represented the culmination of lengthy debates. As the delegates filed into the State House on ThursdayJuly 4tempers were flaring. Despite entreaties from othersthe New York delegation continued to balk. They had no instructions from the state and could vote against the resolution. Furthermoreit looked as if the two delegates from Delaware were deadlocked. Unless Caesar Rodney arrived in time for the voteJuly 41776promised to be just another day of delay and political wrangling. One Day in History: July 41776 is a look at how one day changed the course of history; in this casea day that produced a new nation. Grave consequences beyond the Declaration of Independence flowed from the day’s events. This reference sets out in 100 articleswritten by noted historiansthe details of the day in historyits causes and consequencesand how the actions of July 4 resonated throughout the colonies. The words and logic of the declaration approved on July 4as well as larger events surrounding that decisionshaped the destiny of the worldcreating a new nation that would build on the principles enumerated in the document. The day is examined in its historical contextwith articles ranging from \