


The supporters of Lee`s resolutions, men such as John Adams, Lee, and Wythe, viewed the declaration as a simple recognition of fact. Further, that the prospects of foreign alliances with either Spain or France were not good, as either of them would consider a strong American nation as a threat to their own New World colonies. Further, that public opinion was not yet united behind such a step, particularly in the middle colonies, and a precipitate resolution might lead to their secession. The opponents, represented by the likes of Wilson, Rutledge, Dickinson, and Livingston, argued that although independence was now inevitable, the time had not yet arrived to declare it. A proposal that Congress begin the planning of a confederation to govern the 13 states.ĭuring the debate, Jefferson recorded the arguments for and against, which published much later in his Autobiography.A suggestion that Congress begin the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with other nations.
#Declaration of independence pro immigration free
A statement of independence that concluded with the words, "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.".On June 7, 1776, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, acting in accord with the instructions which the Virginia convention had given their delegation, brought three resolutions before the Congress: Despite this action, opinion remained divided over the wisdom of having Congress itself make a statement of independence. On May 10, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that urged the states to form their own independent governments to replace the defunct royal governments. A discernible drift toward independence was occurring, but the publication of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and news of King George III’s decision to hire foreign mercenary soldiers to fight in America radicalized the views of many. In early 1776, American public opinion was deeply divided over the issue of declaring independence from Britain.
