The Change from 'United Colonies' to the 'United States'

Happy birthday, United States! Yes, not on July 2, but the actual birthday of the United States of America is September 9. On this same day at 1776, was the day America was officially called the "United States of America." That new term replaced the "United Colonies," which is how the land was referenced in the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence, in the history of the United States, a document approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announcing the separation of 13 British colonies of North America from Great Britain. 

It explained why the Congress on July 2 had "unanimously" resolved by the votes of 12 colonies (with New York abstaining) that "these United Colonies are and ought to be Free and Independent States." Accordingly, the day on which the final separation was officially voted was July 2, although the fourth day, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted, was always celebrated on July 2.

While on July 4 the Declaration of Independence declared the "The United States" free and independent, Jefferson also wrote in his conclusion "these United Colonies are, and should be free and independent states of right."

The colonies' new independent status prompted a need for a Statehood declaration.

From ‘United Colonies’ to ‘United States’

If you look closely at the Declaration of Independence, you will notice it says "The United States of America”. Here, united is used as an adjective. It wasn't until later that Congress found the sentence to have a ring to it.

The resolution implemented a declaration of independence, a call for alliances with foreign states, and a "confederation plan." The Continental Congress would set up three committees to fulfill the tasks, including the committee that would be the birthplace of the Declaration. Lee wrote in the resolution, "Resolved, that these united colonies are free and independent states, and should be of right."

John Adams wrote in the meeting notes of September 9, which said resolved that in all Continental Commissions and other instruments where the Words, 'United Colonies,' were previously used, the Stile will be changed to the United States for the future.

For more Valuable Insights, 

Check out our Site: https://wanderersthoughts.in/ 

Blog: https://www.arjunblog.com/

Dishi Singh


Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Great Fire of London

Image
People back in the 1660s were not as aware of the fire risks as they are today. Buildings were constructed of wood-coated in a flammable material called pitch, roofed with thatch-and crammed closely together with little planning thought. Around 350,000 people lived in London just before the Great Fire and it was one of Europe's largest cities. Let's read about the massive fire disaster. The Start of the Fire   The London Great Fire began in a baker’s shop on Pudding Lane belonging to Thomas Farynor (Farriner) on Sunday 2 September 1666. Three hours later at 1 am, though he appeared to have extinguished the flames, his house was a burning inferno. At first, few were worried-at the time, fires were too common. The flames, however, passed rapidly down Pudding Lane and proceeded down Fish Hill towards the Thames River. It spread rapidly, aided by an easterly strong wind. It hit warehouses filled with combustible goods such as oil and tallow when it reached the Thames. Luckily,...
Read more

Teachers' Day - A Guiding Light in Everyone's Career

Image
September 5 marks Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birthday. He was a brilliant scholar, besides being India’s president. He is known for his philosophies and his teachings. Hence India celebrates the Teachers' day on his birthday. A teacher is the light of the future, the torch of darkness, and the hope that gives us strength. Teachers are remarkable souls who serve tirelessly to ensure our future is bright. Teachers are not only confined to teaching in academics, they are also encouraging students to take the right direction. They not only offer bookish information in classrooms but teach the challenges of life to pupils. They guide, empower, and encourage us to be better citizens. Teachers open our minds. They protect our spirits. They ignite our imagination forever. They remind us that everyone can improve and learn. They lay the path towards innovation . They are the foundation of our culture. The shape and develop their students, and contribute to making them our country...
Read more

Krakatoa- The stand-alone eruption

Image
The 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait started on the evening of Sunday, 26 August 1883, and crested on the late morning of Monday, 27 August 1883. Over 70% of the island of Krakatoa and its encompassing archipelago were decimated as it collapsed into a large crater. This volcanic eruption was one of the deadliest and most dangerous volcanic occasions in written history. Its blasts were so loud that they were heard 3,110 kms away in Perth, Western Australia, and Rodrigues close to Mauritius, 4,800 kms away. This eruption and its consequence tsunamis caused around 36,417 deaths. Huge extra impacts were additionally felt around the planet in the days and weeks after the eruption of Krakatoa liquid magma. Extra seismic movement proceeded until February 1884. Reports of seismic action after October 1883 were later excused by Rogier Verbeek's examination concerning the eruption. Early Seismic Activities A long time before the 1883 ejection, seismic action around th...
Read more