LONDON: On the occasion of its 250th birthday this July 4, amid the usual fireworks, state fairs, battle re-enactments, parades and backyard barbecues that define Independence Day celebrations, America is a country reflecting on its founding ideals in an era of division and reinvention. In a sense, this is history repeating. In 1776, America was forged in a spasm of division and reinvention, when 56 members of the recently convened Continental Congress of Britain’s 13 colonies accused King George III of tyranny, split from the mother country and declared independence.

Constitutionally, America is still an English place: Lockean in peace, Hobbesian in war. That is why it has managed to last for 250 years

The United States declared its independence from Britain 250 years ago. Here's how the US's relations with other nations — and its global image — have changed since.

This proud and boisterous occasion is undeniably tinged with both division and doubt

Experts question whether one of the world’s oldest democracies can survive.

US president has remade Independence Day in his own image

US turns 250 amid division and hope