Unsurprisingly, the colonists were not pleased. 'No taxation without representation' became the cry around 1765 after a rise in Britain's national debt forced the colonists to raise import tariffs and crack down on smuggling to raise funds.

There was also a growing sense of nationalism in these largely agricultural colonies and acts of American colonial defiance began in the form of rebellions, fighting and protests.

Social unrest escalated further in 1773, when patriots in Boston famously destroyed a shipment of tea by boarding three ships in Boston harbour and throwing 342 chests overboard in protest over the Tea Act. This became known as the 'Boston Tea Party'.

These rebellions over taxes led to full-scale revolutionary war.

What happened in the Revolutionary War?

Determined to fight for their independence, Great Britain’s 13 North American Colonies fought for control over colonial affairs. They included:

New Hampshire Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia

George Washington led the American forces to victory and, thanks to the diplomatic efforts of Thomas Jefferson, France and Spain acted as allies, providing arms for the war.

Independence was formally declared on July 2 1776; on July 4 1776, the final version of the Declaration was approved by Congress, announcing that the 13 colonies were free from British rule.

While the Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of the Independence, most of the Congress members actually signed the document on August 2, 1776.

Following the Declaration of Independence, they went on to become the United States of America – however conflict continued up until 1783.

How is the day celebrated in the US?

In what was a simple but powerful mark of respect to each of the colonies, 13 gunshots were fired as part of the first celebration of independence on July 4 1777, a year after the Declaration of Independence was approved.

George Washington commemorated the Fourth of July the following year in 1778 by ordering a double ration of rum for his soldiers at Ross Hall, near New Jersey. Meanwhile outside the US, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams organised a celebratory dinner for Americans in Paris.

The Fourth of July was officially acknowledged as a state celebration by the Massachusetts General Court in 1781, and Moravians in North Carolina, observed the day with The Psalm of Joy music programme in 1783.

Nearly 100 years on from the Declaration’s approval, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870, and it was later established as a paid holiday by US Congress in 1938.

Nowadays it's typically marked by patriotic activities - usually outside.

Think parades, camping, barbecues, beers and fireworks, with as much red, white and blue as possible - all punctuated with a backing track of "Star spangled banner", "Yankee Doodle" and "God Bless America".

Politicians also like to make a point of appearing at Independence Day celebrations and praising the nation's heritage, history and people.

Who celebrates it apart from Americans?

The Philippines and Rwanda also observe Fourth of July anniversaries for their own reasons.

The US gave the Philippines independence on that day in 1946 and the Rwandan genocide ended with US help on July 4 1994.

Rather more bizarrely, Denmark also celebrates the US version - it started with European expats in 1911, but now is just an "excuse for a nice day out".

When is Britain's Independence Day?

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage made a case for the 23rd June to be Britain's Independence Day in 2016, because that was the date of the 2016 Brexit vote in which he said the nation "took back control" from the European Union.

However, he was criticised by some who pointed out that liberation from colonial ownership was not really equivalent to Brexit.

And the point that most independence anniversaries around the world celebrate breaking from the British Empire has also been well made.

Read more: Let's make the Fourth of July our Covid-19 Independence Day

Best American recipes for Independence Day

From sweet treats to traditional dishes, the US is famous for its cuisine, with Americans tucking into an array of classic foods every year on Independence Day.

If you're celebrating the Fourth of July in the UK, here are some of our favourite American recipes to try and taste with your family and friends.

Salt beef

New York-style salt beef is delicious with pickles, horseradish, English mustard or piccalilli and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Prepare it yourself in the comfort of your own kitchen, following this simple and affordable recipe.

Mississippi mud pie

Mouth-melting dark chocolate combined with delicious praline, biscuits and cream. This Mississippi mud pie makes a great, indulgent Independence Day treat.