 America shed blood in the Revolutionary War effectively achieving her "divorce" from King George of England. Shortly after the war ended, a newborn nation declared her official independence on July 4, 1776. The Revolutionary War was not a sudden overnight act of 13 colonies voicing autonomous rule on home soil. America only retaliated in defense when negotiations with King George repeatedly failed and rebellious acts of protest followed. War was declared only after the king sent in his reprisal troops to stop any more protests from erupting.
On July 1, 1867, Canada achieved her bloodless independence 91 years later through peaceful negotiations with a very different English government. By the 1860's, Parliament and royalty were building a newly formed British Commonwealth. This action united the British colonies by granting them self-governance within the British Empire. Australia and New Zea land had already joined. Canada did not leap to simply join the Commonwealth. Canadian representatives approached autonomy from England for their own reasons. In the 1800's, "Canada" did not exist as a nation, but two colonies, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia had already formed a confederation. They had a desire to form an even greater Canadian federation born out of needs for a common defense, a railroad, and to permanently end the British and French conflicts. In 1866, Canadian representatives met in London armed with a new outlook to form an official Canada that would expand with 19th century progress. In 1867, Canadian negotiations succeeded. The British government signed "The British North America Act" that allowed Canada, "to become a self-governing entity within the British Empire." It would take 60 more years before Canada became fully self-governing and independent. Through a joint agreement, British authorities would gradually withdraw once Canadians were able to take over full governing responsibilities.
Today, Canadians celebrate their first of July independence much the same as Americans do in celebrating the 4th of July. There are fireworks, parades, picnics and other celebratory activities. Some of the provinces who share their borders with American states often hold joint celebrations between July 1 and July 4.
Sources: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/canadian-independence-day
Source Info: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/canadian-independence-day
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