In The Dark About Independence: Resolution Passed on July 2nd 1776, however…

Independence Resolution Passed on July 2nd 1776, however..

…however, the written Declaration was NOT yet approved.

It was on July 2, 1776, that delegates at the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia officially separated the 13 American colonies from Britain by approving a motion for independence advanced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. Twelve of the 13 colonies approved it (New York abstained, as its representatives did not have permission to vote for it at that time).

Officially, the Continental Congress declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, when it voted to approve a resolution submitted by delegate Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, declaring, as follows: “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”

Adams was responding to the Second Continental Congress having just approved a formal resolution by Richard Henry Lee declaring separation from England on July 2, 1776.

Lee’s Resolution, completely hidden in the shadow of the July 4th Declaration, reads: “Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

When you consider that Congress approved breaking from the British Crown and the document Resolution signed on July 2nd, that in effect is arguably our official date of declaring our independence. – we just had not yet informed King George.