Page 31 - JM Teacher's Guide
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Resource G
virGinia resolution
The Resolution that Led to the Declaration of Independence
Virginia Delegate Richard Henry Lee presented the Virginia Resolution to the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. He was acting on orders from the Virginia Convention. Virginians had finally had enough of King George III. Delegates to the Virginia Convention meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia, passed the resolution on May 15, 1776. They unanimously approved this resolution requiring their delegates to the Second Continental Congress to propose to the full Congress that the united colonies ought to be “free and independent States” This started the chain of events that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Virginia Resolution
“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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