The Lee Resolution declared the American colonies independent before Congress approved the Declaration’s final text.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress. Congress approved its central independence decision on July 2, 1776, stating that the United Colonies were free and independent states and no longer politically connected to Great Britain.
The Declaration of Independence followed as an explanation of that decision. Its purpose was to present the reasons for separation, including grievances against King George III and arguments about natural and political rights.
The two events are closely related but not identical. July 2 marked Congress’s formal decision for independence, while July 4 marked approval of the Declaration’s final wording. John Adams famously expected July 2 to become the main anniversary, but July 4 became the celebrated holiday.