The Fourth of July: And the Founding of America

The Declaration of Independence was in fact made on 2nd July. On the 4th it was only signed by one person rather than through the collective act of 56 individuals. Jefferson was not the sole author of the document. Nor was it intended to mark the origin of a new nation. But after 50 years the day had begun to assume totemic significance. And from then on the story of the developing ritual celebration offers a fascinating window into the history of the nation and its concerns.