On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress made a historic decision that would change the course of American history. With a vote of 12 colonies in favor, Congress declared the 13 American colonies free and independent states, no longer under British rule.

The Vote for Independence

The resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee, stated that the colonies were, and of right ought to be, free and independent states. This marked a significant turning point in the fight for American independence, as it formally declared the colonies’ separation from Britain.

According to the National Archives, the vote was a decisive moment in American history, with 12 colonies voting in favor of independence and one, New York, abstaining. The colonies that voted in favor of independence included Delaware, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, which had previously been undecided.

A New Nation is Born

The vote on July 2, 1776, marked the beginning of a new era for the American people. As John Adams, one of the founding fathers, wrote to his wife Abigail, ‘The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.’ Although Adams predicted that July 2 would become a day of celebration, it was ultimately July 4, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, that became the official birthday of the United States.

As the Continental Congress continued to work on the Declaration of Independence, George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, prepared his troops for the long and difficult fight ahead. In a letter to his troops, Washington wrote, ‘The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves.’ He urged his troops to ‘resolve to conquer or die,’ setting the tone for the sacrifices that would be made in the pursuit of American independence.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.