While July 4th is widely celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, it is not without controversy and there are plenty of books on why it isn’t marked by some. Here are a few reasons why July 4th can be seen as controversial:

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• Slavery. At the time of the American Revolution, slavery was still practiced in many parts of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed “all men are created equal” and asserted the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, did not apply to enslaved Africans and African Americans. This contradiction between the ideals of freedom and the reality of slavery has been a subject of debate and criticism.
• Native American perspectives. The celebration of July 4th can also be contentious from the perspective of Native Americans. The colonisation and expansion of the United States resulted in the displacement, marginalisation, and mistreatment of Native American tribes. For many Native Americans, the holiday represents a painful reminder of the loss of their lands, cultures, and sovereignty.
• Inclusivity and representation. Some argue that the traditional narratives and celebrations of July 4th often focus on the experiences and contributions of white Americans, while neglecting the diverse perspectives and histories of other racial and ethnic groups. Critics emphasise the need to acknowledge and include the stories of marginalised communities in order to paint a more complete and accurate picture of the nation’s history.
• Imperialism and global perspective. Critics argue that the US’ founding as an independent nation was not purely a struggle for freedom but also part of a broader history of colonialism and imperialism. They highlight instances where the United States has been involved in conflicts and interventions abroad, often in pursuit of its own economic or geopolitical interests. These actions are seen as contradictory to the principles of freedom and self-determination that July 4th commemorates.

What is Fourth of July celebrated for?

July 4th is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document proclaimed the American colonies' separation from British rule and established them as a new nation, the United States of America.

The American Revolution, which began in 1775, was a struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The colonists were unhappy with the policies of the British government, including taxation without representation and other perceived infringements on their rights. The Continental Congress, a gathering of representatives from the thirteen colonies, declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence by representatives from each colony marked a significant milestone in the fight for independence. It stated the fundamental principles upon which the new nation was founded, including the belief in individual rights, equality, and the consent of the governed.

Books that look at why July 4th isn’t celebrated by some:

These books offer insights into the controversies and raise questions about the celebration of July 4th:

• 1. “The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America” by Gerald Horne. This book examines the role of slavery and African American resistance during the American Revolution, challenging traditional narratives of the founding of the United States.
• 2. “American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America” by Colin Woodard. While not solely focused on July 4th, this book explores the diverse cultural and regional histories within the US. It sheds light on how different groups experience and interpret the country’s past.
• 3. “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. This book offers a critical examination of the history of Native Americans and their experiences. This includes colonisation and the formation of the United States, providing an alternative perspective to the dominant narrative.
• 4. “Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality” by Danielle Allen. This book delves into a close analysis of the text of the Declaration of Independence. Consequently it explores its meaning, implications, and relevance to contemporary issues of equality and justice.
• 5. “The Fourth of July and the Founding of America” edited by Peter De Bolla. This collection of essays presents different viewpoints on the significance of July 4th. It also addresses issues such as slavery, Native American relations, gender, and the role of immigrants in shaping American identity.
• 6. “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn. Thanks to its inclusive perspective, Zinn’s book has easily become an acclaimed and necessary read for anyone who really wants to know what’s up. This is the book you read if you want to learn about America’s origins from the people who’ve struggled in it. From women, factory workers, Black folks, indigenous folks to the working poor, immigrant labourers, and more.
• 7. “The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America” by Andrés Reséndez. As the book’s description notes, “there was no abolitionist movement to protect the tens of thousands of Natives who were kidnapped and enslaved by the conquistadors.” Which is why Reséndez argues that “it was mass slavery—more than epidemics—that decimated Indian populations across North America.” Bet they didn’t teach you that in grade school.

As a result, the controversies surrounding the holiday reflect ongoing discussions and debates about the complex history and identity of the United States. Check out why accurate history is important – with These Bodies of Water author Sabrina Mahfouz.