Today is the 235th anniversary of the resolution for the 13 colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. The Virginian, Richard Henry Lee raised the proposition to the Continental Congress on June 7, 1776:
In the resolution's three sentences, three major points were outlined. First, that the colonies should unite in a demand for independence from Britain. Second, that the new united colonies should seek to secure alliances with foreign powers. Third, that the united colonies should cement their unity of action in unity of government, forming a "plan of confederation."
Lee introduced his resolution on June 7, 1776. It was tabled for a day, then debated on June 8. Many arguments against the resolution were raised. They included: That some colonies' delegations had not been given authority to vote on such a move; that some colonies were not "ripe to bid adieu" to Britain; that it was too soon, even though reconciliation with Britain was unlikely; that if any colonies decided not to agree to the resolution, great harm could be done to the union, more than any possible foreign alliances could make up for; that it would be better to solidify the union before any declaration was made.
That fateful day led to a series of events that would ultimately bring about a free and independent people whose federalist system forged a mighty world power. May we never forget the principals of our founding, and the reasons why they forged a republican form of government.
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