Some 7 billion people inhabit the globe. Many observe Independence Day to observe their nation’s declaration of freedom from foreign or colonial rule. Examples include Americans celebrating on July 4. Nigerians mark their freedom on October 1, and South Koreans observe their liberation on March 1. Each nation’s traditions are different.
The American colonies were the first nation to win their sovereignty from Great Britain after a 12-year war. America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, nearly a year after the first shots of the Revolutionary War. Then, on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris ratified the independence of the 13 North American States.
A few years later, France stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789, overtook the military fortress/prison.
France commemorates July 14 because of this pivotal event against the nation’s monarchy in the French Revolution. After 10.5 years of war, they won independence, and the French Republic was established.
According to the History Channel, “Much like the Fourth of July, Bastille Day is a public holiday in France [that is] celebrated by nationwide festivities including fireworks, parades, and parties.”
Independence From British Rule
The British Empire was once the largest; it spanned the globe. People started to say, “The sun never set on the British Empire.” According to The Guardian, “The exact date was probably the late 1700s or early 1800s when the first Australian territories were added. The empire disintegrated in the early 20th century.”
As a result of the Pakistan Movement led by the All-India Muslim League, the creation of an independent Muslim nation in the north-western region of India. The Indian Independence Bill formed the independent nations of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, and India on August 15, 1947.
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
One World Nations Online: Independent States of the World
Nations Online: Most Famous Landmarks and Cultural Monuments in the World: Most Famous Monuments
The Guardian: Will the sun ever set on the British Empire? By Randell Munroe
History Channel: France
Featured and Top Image by Timothy Wolff Courtesy of Unsplash
Inset Image by Mathias Reding Courtesy of Unsplash
