July 4 Myths Debunked: The Real Path to American Independence

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Source: Mental Floss
July 4 Myths Debunked: The Real Path to American Independence
Photo: Mental Floss
TL;DR

Myth-busting the Fourth: American independence was declared on July 2, the Declaration was adopted on July 4 and signed on August 2; not all famous founders signed it; the Liberty Bell did not ring to celebrate independence on that day; there are no hidden messages in the Declaration; Americans were not universally in favor of independence, and Native Americans had mixed loyalties with many aligning with different sides during the conflict.

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