Holidays and National Identity. How Independence Day fosters American Identity

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2015 in the subject American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1,3, University of Kassel, language: English, abstract: The aim of this work is to analyse the meanings and functions of Independence Day which shapes American identity. For an integral analysis two important aspects have to be considered: socio-political circumstances and the techniques used for generating national identity. In the beginning the concept of national identity will be discussed and the terms nation and identity defined. Therefore, the work draws on Benedict Andersons theory of imagined communities in order to establish a general understanding of nations. Patrick Colm Hogans techniques of nationalization provide the basis for the final analysis. After conceptualizing the major elements for the analysis, the author analyses Americas oldest holiday, Independence Day. In the course of the analysis, both socio-political developments and Hogans techniques of nationalization will be identified in order to show how Independence Day celebrations generate and shape American identity. Independence Day is Americas most important national holiday since it commemorates the birth of the United States of America. The holiday solemnizes the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the foundation of the United States of America. But the Fourth of July encompasses more meanings than commonly assumed. Since its emergence, Independence Day has been instrumentalized for generating national identity and articulating social and ethnic issues. Down to the present day, the Fourth of July has accomplished important functions that established, defined, and shaped American identity.