Why did Richard Henry Lee divide his "Resolves" into three parts? Why were the last two necessary if Congress adopted the first part? What does Lee mean by "a plan of confederation?" What does the word “confederation” suggest about the type of government Congress was envisioning in 1776?
Almost exactly one year before Richard Henry Lee proposed Congress declare American independence from Great Britain, Congress sent the so-called Olive Branch Petition to King George III. Contrast the two documents. Who is the audience for the Olive Branch Petition? Who is the audience for Lee's Resolves? What was the purpose of each document? What are some key words used in the Olive Branch Petition that no longer apply in July 1776?
The Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) between Great Britain and France, also known as the French and Indian War, was mostly fought over control of the North American colonies. Most American colonists sided with the British, with many taking up arms in defense of the Crown. After the conflict ended, Great Britain’s victory left it saddled with an enormous debt. To raise revenue, Parliament began imposing taxes on the British North American colonies, starting with the Stamp Act of 1765. The colonists strongly opposed the tax, arguing that the power of the purse in America resided in the colonial assemblies, not Parliament. The ensuing debate over representation and Parliament’s power, including some acts of violence, escalated until shots were exchanged between British troops and American militia in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Even after that skirmish, the Second Continental Congress sent King George III (1738–1820) the Olive Branch Petition pledging loyalty to the Crown and pleading with him to establish a “happy and permanent reconciliation.” King George’s response was to declare the colonies in “open and avowed rebellion” and commit his military to defeating the rebels.
On June 7, 1776, acting on instructions from the Virginia convention that had selected him as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) introduced a resolution calling for the colonies’ independence from Great Britain, for establishing alliances with other nations, and for a new plan for joint colonial government. Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence if Congress adopted Lee’s resolution. Congress voted for independence on July 2nd and approved the formal Declaration of Independence on July 4th.
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.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.
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