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The United States of America was formally created by an act of the Second Continental Congress on this day in history, September 9, 1776.
The Congressional decree stated: “That in all continental commissions and other instruments, where, until now, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the style should be changed for the future in the ‘United States’.”
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, SEPT. 8, 1565, S. AUGUSTINE – THE OLDEST CITY IN NORTH AMERICA – IS INHABITED BY SPAIN
“The nickname of the United States of America has remained ever since as a symbol of freedom and independence,” says the National Constitution Center.
The phrase echoed a term first used with global consequences just two months earlier in the Declaration of Independence.
The document begins by stating that it is the “Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America”.
This undated engraving shows the scene of July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman, was approved by the Philadelphia Continental Congress. The words “all men are created equal” are often invoked but are difficult to define.
(Photo AP)
After enumerating a long list of grievances against Great Britain, the 56 signatories stated: “We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America … we publish and solemnly declare that these united colonies are, and by right should be free and independent states. “
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, SEPT. 5, 1774, THE FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS IS CONVENED IN PHILADELPHIA
The Declaration of Independence remains today an international milestone on the path to human freedom.
Battle of Long Island – American retreat under General Stirling across Gowanus Creek (1877). Battle (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn Heights) fought on August 27, 1776, the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War which took place after the United States declared its independence on July 4, 1776. Engraving after a painting made in 1858 by Alonzo Chappel. From “Our Country: A Family History for All Readers, From the Discovery of America to the Present Day”, Volume 2, by Benson J. Lossing. (Johnson and Miles, New York, 1877)
(Photo by The Print Collector / Getty Images)
The United States was formally born as the young nation barely clung to survival.
The British had invaded Brooklyn less than three weeks earlier, with a dramatic amphibious landing in Gravesend Bay on 22 August.
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The Redcoats routed General George Washington’s troops at the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27.
His army survived only by fleeing across the East River to Manhattan under the cover of darkness and miraculously timely fog.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, 10 AUGUST 1776, THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE REACHES LONDON
The Americans were badly defeated for much of 1776, before Washington’s daring crossing of Delaware on Christmas Eve resulted in a surprise victory over Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, N.J.
Washington crosses Delaware, near Trenton, New Jersey, Christmas 1776. George Washington, 1732-1799 – first president of the United States. From English and Scottish History, published 1882.
(Universal Historical Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“What Congress declared true on paper in July was clearly the case in practice, as the blood of patriots was spilled against the British on the battlefields of Boston, Montreal, Quebec and New York,” writes History.com.
What was US called before 1776?
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“Congress had created a country from a group of colonies and the new name of the nation reflected that reality.”
What was America called before it was called the United Colonies?
Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
What was it called before United Colonies?
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally declared the name of the new nation “United States” of America. On the same subject : Steel Pulse opens the Schenectady Music Haven series on Sunday – The Daily Gazette. This replaced the term “United Colonies” which had been in general use.
What was the United States called in the 1600s? 1600 America: New England Pilgrims established the Plymouth Colony in 1620.
What was America formerly called?
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally changed the name of their new nation to “United States of America” rather than “United Colonies”, which was in regular use at the time, according to History. This may interest you : The Supreme Court saves politics.com.
What was before United Colonies?
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally changed the name of their new nation to “United States of America” rather than “United Colonies”, which was in regular use at the time, according to History.com.
What happened on this day in history in 1776?
What was the United States called before colonization? Prior to 1492, modern Mexico, most of Central America, and the southwestern United States comprised an area now known as Meso or Middle America.
Before that, there was no name that collectively identified the Western Hemisphere. Early Spanish explorers referred to the area as the Indies believing, as did Columbus, that it was part of East Asia.
Who was free on July 4th 1776?
Shortly before declaring independence, the Thirteen Colonies in their traditional groupings were: New England (New Hampshire; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Connecticut); Middle (New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware); Southern (Maryland; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina; and Georgia).
Why do Americans celebrate the 4th of July?
Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the colonies from Great Britain.
Who owned America before 1776?
What was signed on July 4, 1776? Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was set on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it.
On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from Great Britain, which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Every year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, US citizens celebrate this historic event.
Who owned United States first?
What is the 4th of July? July 4 celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.
Who Controlled America before the British?
The Thirteen Colonies began a rebellion against British rule in 1775 and proclaimed their independence in 1776 as the United States of America.
