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The United States was established as a nation with independence at its core. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, officially severing the colonies’ ties with British rule.
This moment also sparked the ongoing celebration of freedom in America, marked annually by fireworks and barbecues. The document, adorned with the signatures of 56 colonial leaders, crossed the Atlantic to reach King George III.
It wasn't until 1783, when the United States emerged victorious in the Revolutionary War, that it fully broke away from Britain and began its rise to global dominance. Despite now having its own government, remnants of British influence can still be seen today.
Although Americans celebrate their independence every Fourth of July, there are still many aspects of life in the US that echo its British roots, and they remain strongly tied to their historical ties 'across the pond.'
10. National Anthem
The national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is closely linked with the idea of freedom. Written by Francis Scott Key, originally called “The Defence of Fort McHenry,” it gives hope by describing the American flag still flying after the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 (‘that our flag was still there’).
What many don’t realize is that this iconic anthem actually follows the melody of the British song “To Anacreon in Heaven,” which was originally about drinking and carousing. Despite its origins, “The Star-Spangled Banner” became widely popular and was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931 under President Herbert Hoover, the 31st president.
This reworked British drinking song is known for its wide vocal range, making it a challenge to sing. Whether performed at prestigious sporting events or recited in classrooms, this patriotic anthem surprisingly stems from a British tune meant for drinking songs.
9. Film
Going to the movie theater has become a quintessential part of American culture. The experience of cinema, accompanied by the irresistible smell of fresh popcorn and the sweetness of candy, traces its roots back to Britain.
Long before you could order tickets on your phone and watch a movie within minutes, early motion pictures relied on the optical effect known as persistence of vision. English scientist William Henry Fox Talbot is credited with creating the first photographic negative process that allowed for unlimited prints.
Primitive optical devices using phase drawings could be replaced by these photographic prints, leading to the creation of the first cinematic experiences. However, the motion pictures we enjoy today required more than just static images—they demanded the ability to record actions in real-time.
Eadweard Muybridge played a key role in the development of early film technology while capturing images of racehorses for his employer. He designed a system where multiple photographs of a horse racing down a track were taken and later arranged on a rotating disk to create a moving picture—what we now know as a movie.
This British innovation eventually blossomed into one of the world’s largest consumer industries.
8. Steam Locomotive
Passenger trains offer fast, economical travel between bustling cities in the US, while other trains are essential for transporting materials across the nation.
Next time you're on a train or waiting at a railroad crossing, remember that the steam locomotive originated in England. Richard Trevithick is credited with developing the modern system of mounting steam engines on rails. Having gained his mechanical knowledge in the Cornish tin mines, Trevithick's groundbreaking engine was able to pull 10 tons of iron and several men over 16 kilometers (10 miles), a remarkable feat at the time.
Engineering genius Robert Stephenson's famous Rocket was still in the works when Trevithick’s locomotive made its mark. Today, Britain boasts more railway attractions per square mile than any other country, a testament to the nation's long history of railway innovation.
7. Internet
Can you imagine a world without the Internet? With the wealth of information now at our fingertips, it’s hard to remember what life was like before search engines ruled, social media exploded, and funny cat videos took over the workplace.
Once again, this groundbreaking invention has roots in Britain. The idea for the Internet began to take shape after the 1950s space race. When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, it pushed the world's superpowers to seriously invest in science and technology.
As network communications evolved, British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web. Going beyond simple data transfer, Berners-Lee created a platform where anyone could access vast amounts of information. Although the Internet has transformed over time, Berners-Lee is credited with shaping what we know as the modern Internet, adding to the list of British contributions to American life.
6. Language
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the English language originated in England. Part of the Indo-European language family, English has become the dominant language in many countries worldwide, including the United States. However, some may be surprised to learn that the United States does not have an official language.
What began as “Old English” has evolved into “Modern English,” the version you're reading now. This phase stretches from the 16th century to the present, marking a time of gradual development.
According to Merriam-Webster, English didn’t appear overnight but was shaped over time by groups without a unified language or vocabulary. As America emerged, the English language followed it across the Atlantic.
5. Television
The true origin of the television has long been debated. However, John Logie Baird, a British engineer, played a crucial role in the creation of modern television, leading to the establishment of the first television channel in the United States in 1928.
Before that milestone, 1926 saw the first public demonstration of television in Baird’s London laboratory. In 1927, he achieved a breakthrough by transmitting television images over phone lines. Then, on February 8, 1928, Baird successfully transmitted television across the Atlantic, triggering a technological revolution.
Today, we flip through countless channels on our plasma screens, enjoying everything from 1930s dramas to contemporary cooking tutorials. If not for British innovation, binge-watching your favorite reality show in America would not be possible.
4. Automated Teller Machines
The ease of inserting your card, entering your PIN, and receiving neatly dispensed bills may seem ordinary now. But when you look at its invention and history, it becomes clear that automated teller machines (ATMs) revolutionized banking and transformed consumer finance forever.
The first-ever ATM was located outside a Barclays branch in Enfield, a suburb of London. As reported by Smithsonian magazine, the legendary idea for the after-hours cash machine supposedly came to British engineer John Shepherd-Barron when he found himself locked out of his bank after hours.
While Shepherd-Barron was instrumental in developing the cash machine, many others contributed to its creation. Barclays' ATMs quickly spread throughout the UK and beyond. 1969 is widely regarded as the year the ATM was born, as countries worldwide began adopting this new technology.
No matter which origin story you believe, it’s clear that our friends across the pond played a pivotal role in the invention of the ATM, a machine that Americans rely on daily.
3. Tank
Let’s rewind to September 6, 1915, when Little Willie made his debut. He was the first of his kind, armed with destructive power far beyond anything seen before.
No, we’re not talking about a child. Little Willie was the first tank to roll off the production line in England. Weighing a massive 14 tons, it could only reach speeds of 3.2 kilometers per hour (2 mph).
Yet, it became a critical component of modern military forces worldwide, profoundly influencing the outcomes of global wars. Created in response to the brutal trench warfare of World War I, the tank was conceived by British army colonel Ernest Swinton and William Hankey, secretary of the Committee for Imperial Defence.
By 1916, tanks saw their first combat and proved to be highly effective. Throughout both World War II and the Persian Gulf conflicts, tanks were key weapons on the battlefield.
Today, the United States is home to nearly 6,000 tanks, highlighting their importance in maintaining national security. Keeping America a land of freedom and bravery certainly involved some British contributions. This raises a compelling question: How independent is America really?
2. Postage Stamp
The origins of the postage stamp trace back to May 6, 1840, long before stamp collecting became a widespread hobby. The small adhesive on the corner of our envelopes was once merely a part of standard mail processing.
The first-ever postage stamp, the 'Penny Black,' was issued by the British government. In 1837, British Postmaster General Sir Rowland Hill introduced the 'Post Office Reforms,' which made it possible to send mail throughout the British Isles, with postage paid by the sender and recorded by placing a colorful paper on the envelope (the stamp).
In modern times, we use perforated, adhesive-backed paper with various designs. However, the very first stamp depicted Queen Victoria and required individual pieces to be cut out.
So, the next time you mail a letter, ship a package, or pay a bill that needs a stamp, remember—no matter how trivial it seems—that’s just another thing the US inherited from Britain!
1. Submarine
A crucial part of military defense, the modern submarine was invented by John Phillip Holland in the late 19th century. This remarkable vessel came into being by combining three existing technologies: the electric motor, the electric battery, and the internal combustion engine.
Although initially dismissed as impractical, the submarine began its journey at Vickers' yard in Barrow, England. With the outbreak of World War I, the submarine saw continuous enhancements and improvements.
During World War II, submarines played a crucial role in both combat and defense. By the Cold War, submarines had evolved to carry nuclear warheads and missiles, just like those you see in action movies. Imagine the power of these weapons hidden in a nearly invisible metal cylinder, undetectable by enemies until it's far too late.
This invention, originating in Britain and now spread worldwide, symbolizes the might and ingenuity of the U.S. military.
