What resolution declared the American colonies independent on July 2, 1776?

The Lee Resolution declared the American colonies independent on July 2, 1776.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the proposal in the Second Continental Congress. Its central resolution stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, no longer subject to the British Crown.

Congress passed the independence resolution on July 2. It then spent several days debating and revising the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4. This distinction explains why John Adams predicted that July 2 would become a memorable date, even though July 4 became the enduring national holiday.

The Lee Resolution and the Declaration performed different functions. The resolution was the formal political decision to separate from Great Britain; the Declaration was the public explanation and justification of that decision.

The name can be confused with the Olive Branch Petition, an earlier attempt to reconcile with King George III. That petition did not declare independence and was rejected by the king.