For America250, who introduced the Lee Resolution in the Continental Congress?

For America250, Richard Henry Lee introduced the Lee Resolution in the Continental Congress.

Lee, a Virginia delegate, presented the independence proposal on June 7, 1776. He acted under instructions from the Virginia Convention, which had directed Virginia’s congressional delegation to seek a formal break with Great Britain.

The proposal had three connected parts: declaring independence, forming foreign alliances, and preparing a plan of confederation. Congress delayed the vote while delegates worked through disagreements and waited for additional instructions from several colonies. The independence portion was ultimately approved on July 2.

Lee’s role is sometimes confused with Thomas Jefferson’s. Jefferson drafted the Declaration, while Lee introduced the resolution that made the political decision to separate. John Adams strongly supported Lee’s proposal and helped argue for immediate independence during the congressional debate.