Richard Henry Lee: The Man Who Declared American Independence

Richard Henry Lee's Call for Independence

• 💡 As Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, he recounts standing at St. John's Church during Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech.
• 📌 On June 7th, 1776, Lee rose in Congress to declare that "These United colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states."
• ✍️ Although he was absent for the final vote, he returned to sign the document that officially began the United States.

Contributions to the New Nation

• 📜 Lee played a role in drafting the Articles of Confederation.
• 🏛️ He also served as president of Congress.

Philosophy on Governance and Liberty

• 🔑 Lee believed that a man who loves liberty should never grant rulers more power than is necessary for the safety and well-being of society.
• ⚠️ He urges that it is now the responsibility of citizens to guard that liberty and limit governmental power to what is truly essential.