Richard Henry Lee

Definition

Richard Henry Lee was a prominent American statesman and a member of the Continental Congress who is best known for his resolution calling for independence from Great Britain in 1776. His declaration laid the groundwork for the eventual adoption of the Declaration of Independence, making him a key figure in the philosophical shift towards self-governance and freedom during the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Richard Henry Lee proposed his famous resolution for independence on June 7, 1776, which urged the colonies to declare their independence from British rule.
2. His resolution was passed by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, paving the way for the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence two days later.
3. Lee's advocacy for independence was rooted in Enlightenment ideas that emphasized individual rights and government accountability.
4. After independence, Richard Henry Lee served as the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation in 1784.
5. He also played a role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and was a strong supporter of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

Review Questions

• How did Richard Henry Lee's resolution impact the course of the American Revolution?
  • Richard Henry Lee's resolution for independence directly impacted the course of the American Revolution by inspiring other delegates in the Continental Congress to support the cause for breaking away from British rule. His call for independence led to a critical debate among colonial leaders, ultimately culminating in a unanimous decision to adopt the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal moment not only solidified unity among the colonies but also laid down a philosophical foundation that emphasized liberty and self-governance.
• Evaluate Richard Henry Lee's contributions to both the independence movement and early American governance.
  • Richard Henry Lee significantly contributed to the independence movement by articulating key arguments for breaking away from British control, emphasizing Enlightenment principles such as natural rights and government accountability. After independence, he continued to influence early American governance as a member of both the Continental Congress and later as a delegate at the Constitutional Convention. His insistence on safeguarding individual liberties through amendments ultimately shaped early discussions surrounding the Bill of Rights, highlighting his lasting impact on American democracy.
• Assess how Richard Henry Lee's actions reflect broader Enlightenment ideals during the American Revolution.
  • Richard Henry Lee's actions reflect broader Enlightenment ideals by advocating for independence based on principles of personal liberty, equality, and self-determination. His call for separation from Britain resonated with Enlightenment thinkers who argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. By championing these ideas at a time when colonial subjects were questioning traditional authority, Lee not only influenced his contemporaries but also helped forge a new national identity grounded in democratic values and human rights that would shape future generations.

Related terms

Continental Congress: The governing body that represented the American colonies during the American Revolution, where leaders convened to discuss resistance against British rule and coordinate efforts for independence.

Declaration of Independence:

The document adopted on July 4, 1776, that declared the thirteen American colonies free from British rule, articulating the principles of individual liberty and government by consent.

Thomas Jefferson:

An influential Founding Father and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, who was also a member of the Continental Congress alongside Richard Henry Lee.