The Lee Resolution formally declared the American colonies independent from Great Britain in 1776.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. Its decisive wording stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, ending their political connection with Great Britain.
Congress adopted the resolution on July 2, 1776. Two days later, it approved the Declaration of Independence, which explained the reasons for separation and announced them to the world. This distinction is often overlooked: July 2 concerned the legal decision for independence, while July 4 became the celebrated date associated with the Declaration.
The Lee Resolution is therefore an important milestone leading to America250. It marked the formal congressional break with British rule before the Declaration’s text was finalized and published.