We celebrate the Fourth of July—but John Adams was convinced it would be the Second. Why?

In this episode of Quotable History, host Will Henry dives into the political drama behind America's founding. From the Boston Massacre and the Tea Party to the fierce debates in the Continental Congress, this is the real story of how 13 colonies voted to break away from the British Empire—on July 2nd, 1776.

Featuring Adams’s iconic letter to Abigail and the clash between radicals and reconciliationists, we trace how independence was born—and why the ideals behind it still matter.

🎇 Hear why Adams thought July 2nd would be the day Americans would celebrate forever.

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🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

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Sources:

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/online-exhibitions/timeline-american-revolution

https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2014/07/02/john-adams-vision-of-july-4-was-july-2/

https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond

Joe Rogan Experience #2336 – Ken Burns, published June 11, 2025

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/how-did-it-happen