July 2, 1776: The Raucous Fight to Declare Our Independence and Why It Still Matters Today

The untold story of how America’s declaration of independence hinged on seven critical months in 1776 and the courageous votes that changed the world forever.

This gripping account reveals the precarious path to American independence through a series of pivotal dates that history has nearly forgotten. While July 4th claims the glory, the actual vote for independence came on July 2nd--and even that historic moment almost didn’t happen. From January’s publication of Common Sense to December’s darkest hours of the Revolution, McMillan reconstructs the dramatic months when rebellious colonies transformed into a new nation.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book reveals:

• How the pivotal events of May 15, June 7, and July 2 shaped America’s destiny
• Why Congress’s bold January declaration triggered a chain of unstoppable events
• The behind-the-scenes feud between Adams and Jefferson on their views of government after independence was won
• How the Declaration’s influence extended from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to modern times

This timely narrative strips away the myths to expose the raw political courage that launched a revolution. From heated Congressional debates to the dangerous aftermath of declaring independence, McMillan delivers a fresh perspective on America’s founding that resonates powerfully with today’s political challenges.

Tom McMillan, a retired sports PR executive and lifelong student of history, has served on the board of trustees of Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center, the board of directors of Friends of Flight 93 National

Memorial, the board of directors of the Antietam Institute, and the marketing committee of the Gettysburg Foundation. McMillan has written four books on U.S. history--ranging from the Battle of Gettysburg to September 11th to the Star-Spangled Banner-- and regularly gives book talks throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

After graduating with a journalism degree from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, McMillan worked for forty-three years in media and communications, including ten years as a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and twenty-five years as VP/Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (his name is on the 2009 Stanley Cup, and he has three championship rings). Tom and his wife, Colleen, reside in Pittsburgh and Gettysburg. They also volunteer as ambassadors at Antietam National Battlefield.