Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, introduced a pivotal resolution to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. This resolution called for the American colonies’ independence from British rule, marking a significant step towards the formation of the United States.

Context Leading Up to the Resolution

The American colonies had been experiencing escalating tensions with Great Britain for over a decade. Key events leading up to Lee’s resolution included:

• The Stamp Act of 1765: This act imposed direct taxes on the colonies, leading to widespread protest and the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation.”
• The Boston Massacre of 1770: A deadly confrontation that fueled anti-British sentiments.
• The Boston Tea Party of 1773: A direct action against the Tea Act, which led to punitive measures known as the Intolerable Acts.
• The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775: These marked the beginning of armed conflict between colonial and British forces.

By 1776, the sentiment for independence had grown significantly, influenced by Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense,” which argued for complete separation from Britain.

The Resolution

Richard Henry Lee’s resolution was straightforward yet profound. It proposed:

1. Independence: Declaring the colonies free and independent states.
2. Foreign Alliances: Seeking alliances with foreign nations.
3. Confederation: Forming a plan for a confederation to unite the colonies.

The exact wording of the resolution was:

“Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

The Aftermath

The introduction of Lee’s resolution led to intense debate within the Continental Congress. Some delegates were hesitant, fearing the consequences of such a bold move. To allow time for further deliberation and to gain consensus, Congress postponed the vote on the resolution.

• Committee Formation: On June 11, 1776, Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal declaration of independence. This committee included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.
• Declaration of Independence: The committee’s work culminated in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson.

Historical Significance

Richard Henry Lee’s resolution was a crucial catalyst in the American quest for independence. It set the stage for the formal declaration that would follow, uniting the colonies in their fight for freedom and laying the foundation for the United States of America. The resolution underscored the colonies’ commitment to self-governance and their willingness to break away from British rule, influencing the course of history.