Emran Emon

On July 4, 2025, the United States of America marks its 249th Independence Day—a day soaked in history, sacrifice, ideology, and evolution. The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, by thirteen American colonies, was far more than a rupture from Great Britain; it was a philosophical rebellion that redefined freedom, statehood, and the human aspiration to self-determination. 

The 13 colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776 were: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

As we unfurl the stars and stripes on this monumental day, it’s worth re-examining why the U.S. separated from Britain, how it climbed from a fledgling nation to the world’s superpower, and what factors contribute to the enduring allure of America as a global destination for hope, talent, and liberty.

The road to July 4, 1776, was paved with grievances, resistance, and intellectual ferment. The American colonies were not initially bent on severing ties with Britain. In fact, many colonists had long considered themselves loyal British subjects. But over the years, a series of exploitative policies imposed by the British Crown kindled growing unrest.

The roots of the rupture lay in what historians describe as “taxation without representation.” After the costly Seven Years’ War, Britain sought to refill its treasury by imposing taxes on the American colonies through acts like the Stamp Act (1765) and the Townshend Acts (1767). Yet, the colonies had no representation in the British Parliament, which led to fierce opposition and the rallying cry: “No taxation without representation.”

Economic exploitation was not the only sore point. Britain also limited colonial expansion westward through the Proclamation of 1763, restricted local governance, and maintained a standing army in times of peace—an action viewed with deep suspicion. The Boston Massacre (1770) and the Boston Tea Party (1773) were not just events—they were metaphors for mounting defiance.

Thus, when Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, it wasn’t merely a legal document; it was a manifesto of human dignity. It declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”

American thinkers, inspired by Enlightenment ideals, began to question the divine right of kings and the legitimacy of colonialism. In this crucible of resistance emerged Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, asserting that all men are “created equal” and endowed with “unalienable Rights” including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” With these words, the colonies didn’t just break away—they broke through.

America’s transformation from a struggling republic to a towering global force wasn’t instant—it was a chronicle of ambition, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of innovation.

Geographic Advantage: The U.S. benefited from an abundance of natural resources and vast arable lands, bordered by two oceans that insulated it from the wars of Europe and Asia. Its geography enabled both security and expansion—from sea to shining sea.

Industrial Might and Technological Innovation: The Industrial Revolution catapulted the U.S. into a new realm of productivity in the 19th century. With innovation came global influence—railroads, steel, telegraphs, and electricity laid the groundwork for military and economic supremacy. In the 20th century, breakthroughs like the airplane, the internet, and space exploration further established the U.S. as a leader in human advancement.

World Wars and Strategic Leadership: While Europe bled through two World Wars, the U.S. emerged stronger, playing decisive roles in both conflicts. The Marshall Plan after World War II, which helped rebuild Europe, showcased American economic generosity and strategic foresight. In founding institutions like the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank—the U.S. became the architect of post-war global order.

Military Dominance: With the largest defense budget in the world, cutting-edge weapons systems, and an unrivaled naval presence, the U.S. has maintained overwhelming deterrence. Its NATO leadership and global military footprint underscore its capacity to shape geopolitical outcomes.

Soft Power and Cultural Reach: From Hollywood to Harvard, from Silicon Valley to the NBA—American culture travels faster than its missiles. Its movies, music, universities, and brands have shaped global aspirations. The English language, American style democracy, and the ideals of individual liberty have made the U.S. not just a place, but a phenomenon.

Despite internal contradictions and flaws, the greatness of America lies in its ability to absorb critique, reinvent itself, and offer boundless possibilities.

Constitutional Framework: The U.S. Constitution remains one of the most resilient blueprints for governance ever created. Through its checks and balances, it curbs tyranny and elevates the rule of law. The Bill of Rights ensures fundamental freedoms—speech, religion, press, and protest—that are foundational to human dignity.

Economic Dynamism: The U.S. economy, measured by nominal GDP, is the largest in the world. Its embrace of free enterprise, intellectual property protections, and venture capitalism has given rise to some of the most powerful and innovative companies—from Apple and Tesla to Google and Amazon.

Democratic Traditions: Free and fair elections, peaceful transitions of power, and an independent judiciary remain the bedrock of American democracy—even in turbulent times. The resilience of its institutions ensures that political pendulums swing, but the system endures.

Cultural Pluralism: America’s true strength lies in its diversity. A country of immigrants, it has been built by people from every corner of the world. Despite racial and social inequities, its openness to plurality gives it a creative and intellectual edge.

Liberal Humanism: The Soul of America’s Superiority

While economic data, science and technological influences or military charts may measure America’s might, ‘liberal humanism’ is what gives it moral legitimacy and enduring global appeal.

What is Liberal Humanism? At its core, liberal humanism asserts that humans are rational beings capable of progress. It champions freedom, tolerance, pluralism, and secular morality. It believes not just in civil rights, but in civil responsibilities.

This human-centered worldview allows America to self-correct—to critique its own injustices (slavery, segregation, wars) and move toward equity. Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Noam Chomsky, and Greta Thunberg may differ ideologically, but all operate within a culture that allows—even encourages—radical thought.

Liberal humanism also ensures that the state serves the citizen, not the other way around. It fuels philanthropy, fuels volunteerism, and fuels the very American notion of “being your brother’s keeper”.

For centuries, the U.S. has served as a magnet for dreamers, doers, and dissenters. But why do people across all walks of life still prefer to live, work, and settle in America?

Opportunity and Mobility: The American Dream—however contested—is rooted in the belief that merit and hard work can elevate anyone. Many come to the U.S. not just to escape hardship but to fulfill potential. Be it a Bangladeshi tech prodigy or a Ukrainian war refugee, the promise of a new beginning is uniquely American.

Higher Education and Intellectual Freedom: American universities consistently dominate global rankings. Institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Yale are not just campuses; they are incubators of global leadership. Scholarships, open research ecosystems, and academic freedom make the U.S. a hub for intellectual migration.

Civil Liberties and Human Rights: In many countries, dissent is crushed and conformity rewarded. In America, debate is encouraged—even if chaotic. People long for the right to protest, the right to love, the right to criticize the government, the right to practice (or not practice) religion freely, and the right to publish ideas without censorship. These freedoms are non-negotiable in American life.

Innovation Ecosystem: From Hollywood to NASA, from Wall Street to TikTok, America’s creativity ecosystem is second to none. It rewards risk, funds failure, and scales success.

Refuge for the Oppressed: For Afghans fleeing Taliban repression, Hongkongers fleeing surveillance, or Venezuelans fleeing economic collapse—America represents sanctuary. A place where hope is not criminalized.

The beauty of America lies in its unfinished nature—its perpetual aspiration to be better. As we commemorate 249 years of independence, the global community must remember: America was not built on the myth of infallibility—but on the power of ideals. Ideals of liberty, justice, and the belief that individuals—regardless of origin—can be marked of their own destiny.

In a world rife with autocracy, surveillance, and suppression, the American experiment—messy, defiant, and unfinished—remains an enduring symbol of what humanity can strive for. To be American is not a matter of blood or birthplace—it is a choice to believe in the dignity of the individual and the collective promise of democracy. And that, perhaps, is what makes America ‘great’.

The writer is a journalist, columnist and global affairs analyst. He can be reached at emoncolumnist@gmail.com