The Lee Resolution declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain on July 2, 1776.
Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress after receiving instructions from Virginia’s convention. Its central claim was that the colonies were free and independent states and no longer politically connected to Britain.
Congress approved the independence resolution on July 2, two days before adopting the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration explained and justified the decision; the Lee Resolution made the formal political break.
The difference between July 2 and July 4 causes frequent confusion. John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary, but July 4 became the celebrated date because it marked adoption of the Declaration’s final text.