Who proposed the Lee Resolution declaring the American colonies independent from Britain in 1776?

Richard Henry Lee proposed the Lee Resolution declaring the American colonies independent from Britain in 1776.

Lee, a Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress, introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776. Its central claim was that the United Colonies should become free and independent states, released from political allegiance to the British Crown. The proposal followed growing conflict, Britain’s military response, and increasing support for independence among colonial leaders.

Congress debated the resolution before adopting it on July 2, 1776. Two days later, it adopted the Declaration of Independence, which explained the reasons for separation. John Adams later regarded July 2 as the true independence date because that was when Congress voted for the Lee Resolution, although July 4 became the date associated with the Declaration’s adoption.

Lee did not write the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted the main text as part of the Committee of Five. This distinction matters: the Lee Resolution was the formal decision to pursue independence, while the Declaration presented the argument and announcement supporting that decision.