The Fourth of July celebrates American independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. 

During that time, the US was divided into 13 distinct colonies, which later grew and expanded into the 50 states we have today.

But the US isn`t only made up of 50 states. It may also be a country comprised of several tribes or factions.

That`s according to award-winning author Colin Woodard, who writes in his book "American Nations" that there are 11 distinct cultures that have historically divided North America (Canada is included in his overall analysis)...

• Author and journalist Colin Woodard identified 11 distinct cultures that have historically divided the US.
  
  
• His book "American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America" breaks down those cultures and the regions they each dominate.
  
  
• From the utopian "Yankeedom" to the conservative "Greater Appalachia" and liberal "Left Coast," looking at these cultures sheds an interesting light on America`s political and cultural divides.
  
  
• In response to the coronavirus pandemic, some governors are acting among these factions — like California, Oregon, and Washington, of all which have parts comprising of "The Left Coast" group.

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RSK: A few areas have changed slightly from a year ago but still worth the read.