American flags, fireworks and parades — it’s 4th July! 🇺🇸

This annual celebration commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States from the rule of King George III in 1776. 

The Exact Editions team has dug through the digital archives of some of our brilliant publishing partners and found some top-notch American Revolution content to share. 

Read on to learn more history of the day and its traditions.

BBC History Revealed ‘Declaration of Independence’ (December 2016)

“Approved by Congress on 4 July 1776, the Declaration of American Independence stated that America’s 13 colonies were to be “absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved”.”

Do you want some basic questions about Independence Day answered? The December 2016 issue of BBC History Revealed Magazine has you covered.

The issue features a brilliant summary of the Declaration of Independence, covering the events that led up to the day, what the Declaration itself actually says and what relevance is to Americans today. 

Read the full article on page 83, here.

The Numismatist ‘A Revolutionary Celebration’ (July 2004)

“Our historical heritage has been commemorated numismatically with coins, medals and paper money portraying the leaders and events of the American Revolution. In honor of Independence Day, the following numismatic timeline tells the story of our nation’s birth.”

The July 2004 issue of The Numismatist includes a numismatic timeline of the American nation’s birth, showcasing medals and dollar bills dating from 1773 all the way through to 1781.

Read the full article on pages 122–123, here.

The Times Literary Supplement ‘Unbridled Liberty’ (25 November 2016)

“In an impressive book, he [Alan Taylor] mentions the achievements of the Founding Fathers, but they no longer hold a privileged place in the revolutionary story.”

The most popular accounts of the American Revolution written during the 20th century have celebrated the actions and beliefs of a small group of privileged men known collectively as the Founding Fathers.

However, historian Alan Taylor dismisses this complacent interpretation in his book ‘American Revolutions’ and is more interested in how ordinary people shaped American political culture in ways elite leaders could not control.

T. H. Breen reviews the book in the 25 November 2016 issue of The Times Literary Supplement.

Read the full article on page 30, here.

Sainsbury’s Magazine ‘Burger Master’ (July 2010)

Is there anything more 4th July than a burger? It would be rude not to…🍔

This ‘All-American’ burger recipe from the July 2010 issue of Sainsbury’s Magazine has Gruyère cheese AND streaky bacon 😋

Read the full article on page 30, here.

 — — — 

Access to the digital magazine issues included in this post will be active until the 4th September 2021.

Fully-searchable digital subscriptions to BBC History Revealed, The Numismatist, The Times Literary Supplement & Sainsbury’s Magazine are available in the Exact Editions individual and institutional shops.