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[vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_ctation ctaction_background=”#1F5FA9″ ctaction_background_hover=”#1F5FA9″]American history essentially begins with the Fourth of July, but how much does your family really know about it? Find out with this fun quiz![/ultimate_ctation][/vc_column][/vc_row]
As Americans, we know the gist of Independence Day since we celebrate it every year. Now, let’s test if you know these unique facts about the start of our country with these 10 fun quiz questions!
1. When was a vote to separate from England approved by the Continental Congress?
A. July 2, 1776
B. July 4, 1776
C. August 2, 1776
Answer: A. On July 2, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from British rule. However, the text of the Declaration of Independence wasn’t approved until July 4, and it was printed in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6th. Members didn’t actually sign the Declaration until August.
2. Who knew right away that the 4th of July would become such a celebrated day in American history?
A. John Hancock
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. John Adams
Answer: C. John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3, 1776 predicting that people would celebrate this day for generations to come. In his letter, he was actually referring to July 2, the day they voted for independence. But he did correctly anticipate that people would celebrate with parades and “illuminations” meaning fireworks for years and years.
3. How many fireworks shows are currently hosted across the nation on the 4th of July?
A. 3,000
B. 10,000
C. Over 15,000
Answer: C. There are more than 15,000 recorded fireworks shows across the nation every year for the 4th of July. This is of course, not including all the fireworks set off at barbecues, in backyards, and beyond. It makes sense this tradition is so strong since it’s been part of Independence Day celebrations since 1777!
4. What special ceremony is performed with the Liberty Bell every July 4th?
A. A loud strike at noon
B. 13 taps on the bell
C. 13 cannon shots near the bell
Answer: B. The Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times every July 4th. The taps are performed by descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence and the number 13 is used to honor the original 13 colonies. Churches in the area also ring their bells and citizens are encouraged to tap a glass or bang pots and pans at the same time.
5. The men who founded our country are often referred to as the “Founding Fathers.” When do you think that term became popular?
A. 1776
B. 1916
C. 2006
Answer: B. In 1916, Warren G. Harding made a speech at the Republican National Convention in which he referred to this group of men as the “Founding Fathers.” The public took to the phrase and it was popularized during the late 1910s and 1920s. Today, it is the standard title for men such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
6. How many versions of the U.S. flag have there been?
A. 27
B. 56
C. 102
Answer: A. Originally, the flag had 13 stars and stripes for the 13 colonies. While we still have 13 stripes, we now have 50 stars for all 50 states. The 50th and final star was added to the flag on July 4, 1960 in honor of Hawaii becoming a state.
7. Which of these countries also celebrates the 4th of July?
A. Canada
B. Denmark
C. Germany
Answer: B. Denmark honors America every year with a 4th of July celebration in Rebild National Park. The celebration is called Rebildfesten and has been celebrated since 1912, the year America welcomed over 300,000 Danish immigrants across its borders. Ireland, Australia, France, and even London, England also host various 4th of July festivities.
8. How many years did it take for the Fourth of July to become a federal holiday?
A. 5 years
B. 50 years
C. Almost 100
Answer: C. In 1870, almost 100 years after the vote for independence and the signing of the Declaration, July 4th became an unpaid federal holiday. Decades later in 1938, it became a paid holiday in America.
9. Instead of a BBQ, what meal did John Adams celebrate with on July 4th, 1776?
A. Turtle soup
B. Stuffed goose
C. Smoked duck
Answer: A. While this dish might sound strange to Americans today, it was a high-status meal in England and the colonies. It makes sense that such a profound political figure would be munching on it during his celebration of the first Independence Day!
10. Finally, what dessert was popular at early Fourth of July celebrations?
A. Date loaf
B. Apple pandowdy
C. Gingerbread
Answer: B. Maybe this one seemed easy because apple pandowdy sounds a lot like apple pie! This dessert is a mix between apple pie and cobbler made with apples, molasses, and sweet crust. American settlers learned how to preserve apples and make pie crust from Dutch and German immigrants which led to the apple pies we celebrate with today! The first American apple pie recipe was published in 1796.
Well, how did you do? Were you surprised to learn some of these facts about the 4th of July?
If you learned something new, be sure to share it with friends and family as you celebrate! Wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July!
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