When did we start celebrating America’s Independence?

And how has its meaning changed over the centuries?

IN THE NEWS

Another 4th of July is here. Does this one feel different to you? Perhaps a little… at least different than last year’s. In spite of the surge in Covid’s Delta Variant, we feel a little more at liberty to celebrate our Independence Day with our family and friends — in person!

The news media, including the likes of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, point out to how U.S. Presidents mix patriotism and politics when it comes to our Independence Day. For example, President Biden had made a pledge for this 4th of July that 70% of Americans would get at least one shot of the Covid vaccine. Regrettably, he narrowly missed his goal. And previous presidents have left their marks on this holiday as well.

So U.S. Presidents loom large during our Independence Day. Perhaps in recognition of that fact, C-SPAN released its national survey of 142 American historians who ranked our previous 44 presidents. Do you know who was ranked as our best president? Who ranked at the bottom? And how about President Trump?

Our podcast guest, Professor Thomas Balcerski, was a participant in that survey. He is also the author of a book about a U.S. President who ranks…