This Day in History on July 2: Lyndon B. Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act into Law
July 2 stands out as a pivotal day in history, marked by momentous events that have shaped nations, cultures, and the course of humanity. 1776 – The Birth of American Independence On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially voted to declare the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. Spearheaded by figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the resolution for independence was passed, signaling the start of a revolutionary era. Although the Declaration of Independence would be publicly announced two days later, July 2 remains the actual date the colonies severed their ties with Britain. This watershed moment in history not only birthed the United States but also sent ripples across the world, inspiring democratic ideals and the pursuit of self-governance. John Adams famously believed that July 2 would be celebrated as a great American holiday, even more so than July 4. 1494 – Treaty of Tordesillas Divides the New World Fast forward