Mike
Carruthers:
As we celebrate our nation's independence, there are some interesting
historical facts you may not be aware of - for example John Adams
thought that we should celebrate the second of July not the fourth.
Kenneth C. Davis:
The resolution for independence that was created by the Continental
Congress was actually passed, voted on, on July 2nd.
Ken Davis, author
of the book, Don't
Know Much About History…
And John Adams
was certain that this date would be celebrated forever as the
date of the nation's birth and he thought that there would be
fireworks and bells ringing for the rest of history on this
date.
But although
the resolution for independence passed on July 2nd, the Declaration
of Independence was adopted on the 4th of July. And do you know
why George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence?
He was already
off commanding the troops; he wasn't around for the signing.
In fact most of the men who signed, signed about a month later
in August. So, this notion that they were all just standing
around just waiting to sign on the 4th of July is a bit of a
small misconception.
And there's some
myths surrounding the Liberty Bell…
It was actually
rung on July 17th '76 to announce the signing of the Declaration,
but the famous crack that we all see in it didn't happen until
1835 and it was actually not even called the Liberty Bell until
1839 when the Americans were really starting to fight over abolition
and ending slavery.
For transcripts
visit our website: somethingyoushouldknow.net-
I'm Mike Carruthers and that's Something You Should Know.
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