What is Independence Day?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence optional: (from Britain)
• The country’s birthday

Our explanation

Independence Day is July 4. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted (approved). It announced America’s independence from Britain. That is why July 4 is the country’s birthday.

Remember it

July 4, 1776: America’s birthday, the day it announced independence from Britain.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 74: “Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, celebrates the Declaration of Independence, or the birth of the nation.” … “adopted on July 4, 1776.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

• 79When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?