Independence Day (United States)
Fireworks displays, such as these over the Washington Monument in 1986, take place across the United States on Independence Day
Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.
The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
The Founding & Discovery of America
History has it that on October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas. But was he the first one to do so, really? Well, according to an ancient map, a Chinese explorer named Zheng He predated Columbus by over 70 years! Just how much do we know about this map and its supposed author? And is there any historical evidence to confirm these claims? In this gallery, we delve into the theory that states China reached the Americas first.
In 2006, a Chinese lawyer and collector named Liu Gang unveiled an old map at a Shanghai bookshop. The map was supposedly an 18th-century copy of a map from 1418. Unlike other European maps back then, this one depicted North and South America, as well as Australia and Antarctica. The man behind the map was supposedly Chinese explorer Zheng He (1371-1433). The Chinese Muslim eunuch traveled across the seas for 30 years. From 1405 to 1433, Zheng He is said to have set sail on seven voyages through the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Indeed, there are historical records of his trips to Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, and the east coast of Africa, as well as evidence of his using advanced navigational techniques and ships.
But according to former British submarine lieutenant-commander and author Gavin Menzies, Zheng He went even further, and was the first one to discover America. According to Menzies, the Chinese explorer did so in 1421—that’s 71 years before Columbus! Menzies laid out his theory in his 2003 book, entitled ‘1421: The Year China Discovered America.’ Menzies has welcomed the map as evidence, despite the fact that the map of America is dated three years (1418) prior to when Zheng He supposedly discovered the New World (1421). It goes without saying that the authenticity of the map has been disputed.
