The United States government has announced the closure of its embassy in Nairobi on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The embassy explained in a statement released on Wednesday that this decision aligns with the celebration of U.S. Independence Day, an annual commemoration on July 4th marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
This historic document signaled the 13 American colonies’ formal separation from Great Britain, a culmination of years of strained relations driven by British attempts to tighten control and impose taxes on the colonies.
The roots of America’s independence can be traced back to escalating tensions between the colonists and the British Crown.
The British Parliament, seeking to alleviate debts incurred from the French and Indian War of 1754, enacted a series of taxes on goods like sugar, tea, and paper, which sparked widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
These measures led to increased hostilities, particularly in Boston, where clashes between British troops and colonists intensified.
The breaking point came in 1775 when British authorities closed Boston Harbor in response to rebellious activities, prompting preparations for armed conflict.
The American Revolutionary War officially commenced on April 19, 1775, with the battles of Lexington and Concord, culminating in the formal declaration of independence the following year.
Following their victory, America’s founders, influenced by Enlightenment ideals, established a new nation founded on principles of democracy and self-governance.
They rejected monarchy and aristocracy in favor of elected representatives and expanded political participation.
This revolutionary transformation inspired similar movements worldwide, promoting ideals of liberty and equality.
Thomas Jefferson, a key figure in the American Revolution and later the third U.S. President, articulated the justification for independence in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the right of people to overthrow oppressive governments.
His words resonated globally, igniting aspirations for self-determination and democratic governance across continents.
In closing its Nairobi embassy on July 4, 2024, the United States not only honors its own history but also underscores the enduring significance of independence as a fundamental human right. This act symbolizes a commitment to the principles of freedom and self-rule that have shaped America’s identity and continue to inspire nations striving for liberty and justice.
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