Why Is Richard Henry Lee Important

When people think of the Declaration of Independence, a certain few figures come to mind; men such as John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, or Benjamin Franklin are the first to be acknowledged. However, there were 51 more signers than just them. 56 brave lawyers, doctors, merchants, ministers and plantation owners signed their own death warrants by defying the King of England to gain their own independence from faraway tyranny. Each of these men had vastly different stories, but they all had one thing in common; they all longed for freedom. It is quite unfortunate that many of the important men involved with the Declaration of Independence are not given the recognition that they ought to have. Richard Henry Lee is a very important figure in revolutionary history, but he is rarely mentioned at all, because we are too caught up in the historical celebrities. To understand the significance of Richard Henry Lee, and his place in the
Many of the moderate delegates has attempted to appease Britain with the “Olive Branch Petition”, but it was never even considered by the king, and he felt insulted by it, so he tightened his grip on the colonies. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed the colonies' split from Britain, in what is called “The Lee Resolution”. It outlined what he thought could happen for the colonies. The original text states: “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.” (Courtesy of