Independence Day is a uniquely American celebration, complete with cookouts, fireworks, and huge gatherings of friends and family. But a recent poll showed that about 40% of Americans surveyed couldn't quite get the answer right when asked why we celebrate.
See how much you know about this summer celebration with our 4th of July trivia questions and answers. From the Founding Fathers to backyard BBQs, test your knowledge about Independence Day in America.
American Independence Day History Questions
Let's start with history. You probably know several of the names, but how much do you truly know about why we celebrate this holiday?
What does Independence Day celebrate?
The signing of the Declaration of Independence
Who was the King of England when America declared its independence?
King George III
In what year did the US declare its independence from England?
1776
Which city was the first to celebrate Independence Day on July 4?
Philadelphia
Fourth of July celebrations increased significantly in the US after which war was over?
The War of 1812
In what year did Independence Day become a legal federal holiday?
1941
What did George Washington give to his soldiers to celebrate Independence Day?
He doubled their rum rations.
True or False: John Adams made the motion in the Continental Congress to declare independence.
False. It was Richard Henry Lee.
Which was the first state to make Independence Day a state holiday?
Massachusetts
True or false: The Continental Congress voted to declare independence on July 2.
True
Only one US president was born on July 4. Who is it?
Calvin Coolidge
Name the three US presidents who died on July 4.
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe
In what year was the Liberty Bell last rung?
1846
Related: 59 July Trivia Questions for the Dog Days of Summer
Revolutionary War Questions
The Revolutionary War raged on before and after America declared its independence. How much do you know about it?
What were the first battles of the American Revolutionary War?
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
What year did the American Revolutionary War begin?
1775
How long did the Revolutionary War last?
7 years
What battle officially marked the end of hostilities in the Revolutionary War?
The Battle of Yorktown
The signing of what document officially ended the US Revolutionary War?
The Treaty of Paris
What was the primary issue behind the American Revolution?
Taxation without representation
What were colonists living in the colonies who remained faithful to the British Crown called?
Loyalists
What were German soldiers hired to fight on behalf of the crown called?
Hessians
The Revolutionary War was the nation’s longest conflict until what war surpassed it?
Vietnam
Declaration of Independence Questions
It's a pretty seminal document that changed the course of American history, but how much do you know about the Declaration of Independence and the men who signed it?
Who is credited with writing the US Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson and the Second Continental Congress
How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?
56
Where is the original Declaration of Independence kept?
In the National Archives
Who has the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence?
John Hancock
Who was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin — He was 70.
Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
John Hancock
How many of America’s colonies voted to approve the Declaration of Independence?
9
Approximately how many original copies of the Declaration of Independence exist?
Around 200
Who was the youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
Edward Rutledge — He was 26.
4th of July Celebration Questions
From backyard barbecues to community celebrations, Americans know how to party on the 4th of July. Test your knowledge about the ways we celebrate.
Approximately how many public fireworks displays are there every July 4?
Over 14,000
True or false: Nearly 70 million cases of beer are sold in the US for the 4th of July.
True
What percentage of Americans watch fireworks on the 4th of July?
Over 50%
True or False: The amount of hot dogs consumed on the 4th of July, if laid end to end, could stretch across the entire country six times.
False - it’s five times.
What do Americans eat more of on July 4, beef and pork or chicken?
Chicken
Who puts on the largest 4th of July fireworks display in America?
Macy’s in NYC
How many times is the Liberty Bell tapped every Independence Day?
13
Where is the infamous Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest held every year?
Coney Island
How much do Americans spend on July 4 fireworks every year?
Over $1 billion
Which US president presided over the first public 4th of July celebration at the White House?
Thomas Jefferson
Related: 41 United States Traditions & Customs That Surprise Non-Americans
Fireworks Trivia Questions
Is it really a 4th of July celebration without fireworks? Test your knowledge about what, for many, is the main event of Independence Day in the United States.
In what country did fireworks originate?
China
What country produces 90% of the fireworks in the world?
China
What company is the largest consumer of fireworks in the world?
Disney
What causes the different colors in fireworks?
Different elements
What fireworks color is the most difficult to create?
Blue
What country first started adding salts to fireworks to get colors other than orange or white?
Italy
What causes the whistling sounds you hear from some fireworks?
The slow release of gas
True or False: Sparklers can burn as hot as 2,900°F?
True
What type of fireworks cause the most injuries?
Firecrackers
What body part is the most likely to be injured from fireworks?
Hands and fingers
Independence Day Trivia
While you're drinking lemonade and eating (checks notes) chicken this 4th of July, take a bit of time and see who the biggest know-it-all is in your family when it comes to July 4th trivia. It's a great way to spend time together and celebrate the USA.
