The Lee Resolution declared the Thirteen Colonies independent in principle on July 2, 1776.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution stated that the colonies should be free and independent states. The Second Continental Congress approved it on July 2, two days before adopting the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration served as the formal explanation for the decision. It presented the colonies’ political arguments, grievances against the British king, and claims about natural and political rights.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the main national anniversary because it marked the independence vote. Instead, July 4 became the celebrated date because it was printed on the adopted Declaration and associated with the document’s public proclamation.