Which document proposed independence for the American colonies in 1776?

Which document proposed independence for the American colonies in 1776?

• A. Declaration of Independence
• B. Lee Resolution
• C. Articles of Confederation
• D. Treaty of Paris

Answer: (B)

Independence was first proposed in 1776 as a formal action in the Continental Congress when Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution declaring that the colonies were free and independent states. This resolution called for breaking political ties with Britain and gave the new nation the authority to wage war, make treaties, and conduct foreign policy. The Declaration of Independence, adopted a bit later, publicly justified that decision and explained it to the world, but the move to become independent originated with the Lee Resolution. The other documents serve different roles: the Articles of Confederation created the first framework for a national government after independence, and the Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the United States as independent.

Independence was first proposed in 1776 as a formal action in the Continental Congress when Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution declaring that the colonies were free and independent states. This resolution called for breaking political ties with Britain and gave the new nation the authority to wage war, make treaties, and conduct foreign policy. The Declaration of Independence, adopted a bit later, publicly justified that decision and explained it to the world, but the move to become independent originated with the Lee Resolution. The other documents serve different roles: the Articles of Confederation created the first framework for a national government after independence, and the Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the United States as independent.