Who introduced the Lee Resolution calling for American independence in Congress in 1776?

Richard Henry Lee introduced the Lee Resolution calling for American independence in Congress in 1776.

Lee, a Virginia delegate, presented the motion to the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. Its central proposal declared that the United Colonies should become free and independent states, ending their political connection with Great Britain. The motion followed instructions from the Virginia Convention.

Congress delayed the independence vote while delegates sought authorization from their colonial governments. The resolution passed on July 2, 1776, with twelve colonies voting in favor and New York abstaining because its delegates lacked instructions. Congress then approved the Declaration of Independence two days later.

Lee’s resolution had three connected parts: independence, foreign alliances, and a plan of confederation. Congress considered the latter two separately. The resolution is therefore distinct from the Declaration, which explained the reasons for independence rather than first proposing it.