This year marks America's 250th birthday, making it the perfect time to look back at the events that led to our nation's independence.

Remember seventh-grade social studies?

So what was all the celebration about? This year in seventh-grade social studies, we learned about early America, the founding of the 13 colonies, and our government. It seemed like perfect timing to celebrate America's 250th birthday this summer, so I wanted to share a quick refresher on the timeline of events that led to our nation's independence.

To get us started, in early America, the colonies were under British rule. The American colonists became frustrated with the taxes and laws imposed by the British government. They began to protest and revolt, leading to events such as the Boston Tea Party, an act of resistance against the Tea Act. During this time, the famous phrase "Taxation Without Representation" became well known.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the Lee Resolution to the Continental Congress, declaring that the colonies "are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states."

On June 11, 1776, a committee of five was formed to prepare the Declaration of Independence. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, which was reviewed and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

The Declaration was debated from July 1 through July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On July 2, twelve of the thirteen colonies voted in favor of independence. New York later gave its approval, and on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. In total, 56 delegates representing all 13 colonies signed the Declaration, marking America's break from British rule.

A few days later, on July 6, John Hancock informed General George Washington that the Declaration of Independence had been adopted. Then, on July 9, 1776, George Washington held one of the first public readings of the Declaration for the Continental Army.

  History reminds us why we celebrate. As you continue reading, enjoy seeing how our neighbors celebrated America's 250th birthday and another memorable Fourth of July together.