Platapus
07-02-10, 07:48 AM
Happy Independence Day :up:
Today, in 1776, the Continental Congress voted and approved the Lee 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."
It was passed 12-0 with one abstaining. New York finally voted in favour on 9 July 1776.
The evening of 2 July 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: "This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States."
John Adams, in writing to his wife Abigail on 3 July 1776.
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
What many people don't realize is that the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was the American people. Independence was not a universally supported idea, in fact many of the working classes feared that their situation would worsen under independence (Howard Zim, People's history of the United States).
The Declaration of Independence was not what declared our independence (even back then congress had problems entitling stuff). It was the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was a document designed to rally support from the citizens on the decision Congress made on 2 July 1776.
So happy Independence Day! Let's cock a good natured snook to our British friends and allies. :rock:
Today, in 1776, the Continental Congress voted and approved the Lee 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."
It was passed 12-0 with one abstaining. New York finally voted in favour on 9 July 1776.
The evening of 2 July 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: "This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States."
John Adams, in writing to his wife Abigail on 3 July 1776.
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
What many people don't realize is that the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was the American people. Independence was not a universally supported idea, in fact many of the working classes feared that their situation would worsen under independence (Howard Zim, People's history of the United States).
The Declaration of Independence was not what declared our independence (even back then congress had problems entitling stuff). It was the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was a document designed to rally support from the citizens on the decision Congress made on 2 July 1776.
So happy Independence Day! Let's cock a good natured snook to our British friends and allies. :rock: