Happy 4th of July!

[AnonymousSpeed]

Today, Americans across America celebrate committing treason against a global superpower so they could avoid paying taxes.

We grill hamburgers and detonate fireworks to commemorate this foundational moment in which many proud American traditions were established, like representative of government and responding to any German who gives you trouble by slitting his throat in his sleep on Christmas.

Rick May, if you can read this, be sure to tell the Big Man Up There to bless America. Amen.

[Jotari]

3 hours ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

Today, Americans across America celebrate committing treason against a global superpower so they could avoid paying taxes.

We grill hamburgers and detonate fireworks to commemorate this foundational moment in which many proud American traditions were established, like representative of government and responding to any German who gives you trouble by slitting his throat in his sleep on Christmas.

Rick May, if you can read this, be sure to tell the Big Man Up There to bless America. Amen.

*Americans across the USA. Pretty sure the Belizians don't bother with it at all.

[Armchair General]

What kind of patriot celebrates Independence Day without posting the nation anthem?

 

 

[AnonymousSpeed]

6 hours ago, Jotari said:

*Americans across the USA. Pretty sure the Belizians don't bother with it at all.

Well, neither do Californians, but I was generous enough to not exclude them either.

5 hours ago, Armchair General said:

What kind of patriot celebrates Independence Day without posting the nation anthem?

I almost forgot! Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Acacia Sgt]

Your random historical fact of the holiday: The Thirteen Colonies' independence wouldn't have been possible if not for the support from the Spanish, French, Dutch, among others most likely. A celebration shouldn't leave out their contribution... oh, who am I kidding, if they actually do that... do they?

[Jotari]

5 hours ago, Acacia Sgt said:

Your random historical fact of the holiday: The Thirteen Colonies' independence wouldn't have been possible if not for the support from the Spanish, French, Dutch, among others most likely. A celebration shouldn't leave out their contribution... oh, who am I kidding, if they actually do that... do they?

Indeed, a European reading of the American revolution very much appears to be a "Let's bully Britain for doing the exact same thing we're doing." Though their interests were more aligned with weakening Britain than helping any one else.

[Acacia Sgt]

6 hours ago, Jotari said:

Indeed, a European reading of the American revolution very much appears to be a "Let's bully Britain for doing the exact same thing we're doing." Though their interests were more aligned with weakening Britain than helping any one else.

It was more complicated than that. France sought revenge for the Seven Years War. Spain likewise joined in to recover lost territory like Florida and Minorca. The Dutch didn't liked their trade with the American colonies was being disrupted. They would've declared neutrality, however, but Britain declared war on them first, so they were mostly dragged into the conflict.

The rest of Europe deliberated declared neutrality, and many countries had people expressing support to the rebels. Even the Sultan of Morocco declared protection to American merchant ships. The most Britain got was some (hired) support from the German statelets. Basically, everyone wanted to see Perfidious Albion knocked down a peg. So yeah, it played a hand. But some were in it to settle old scores.

Edited July 5, 2021 by Acacia Sgt

[Jotari]

4 hours ago, Acacia Sgt said:

It was more complicated than that. France sought revenge for the Seven Years War. Spain likewise joined in to recover lost territory like Florida and Minorca. The Dutch didn't liked their trade with the American colonies was being disrupted. They would've declared neutrality, however, but Britain declared war on them first, so they were mostly dragged into the conflict.

The rest of Europe deliberated declared neutrality, and many countries had people expressing support to the rebels. Even the Sultan of Morocco declared protection to American merchant ships. The most Britain got was some (hired) support from the German statelets. Basically, everyone wanted to see Perfidious Albion knocked down a peg. So yeah, it played a hand. But some were in it to settle old scores.

Didn't some German's help Washington too? Or at least I vaguely remember something about at least one experienced German training troops.

[Acacia Sgt]

12 minutes ago, Jotari said:

Didn't some German's help Washington too? Or at least I vaguely remember something about at least one experienced German training troops.

Yes. Both sides received German help. At this point the Hanoverian crown was still tied with the British one, so they and their associates were who mostly supported the British.

For the colonials, it was a mix of German immigrants that were already there, German regiments in the French army, and Germans who traveled over on their own. They mostly served as auxiliary corps.