why is richard henry lee of virginia significant to the course of america

Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732 – June 19, 1794) was an American statesman and Founding Father from Virginia, best known for the June 1776 Lee Resolution, the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain leading to the United States Declaration of Independence

, which he signed.

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What did Richard Henry Lee do in the Revolutionary War?

Son of Thomas Lee, Richard Henry Lee pursued his father’s interest in westward expansion and was a key political figure during the American Revolution (1775–1783): it was Lee who, at the Second Continental Congress in 1776, made the motion to declare independence from Britain.

Who is Richard Lee?

Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732 – June 19, 1794) was an American statesman and Founding Father from Virginia, best known for the June 1776 Lee Resolution, the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain leading to the United States Declaration of Independence, which he signed.

What did Richard Henry Lee say to preserve liberty?

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” Richard Henry Lee was an American statesman from Virginia who made the motion, known as the Lee Resolution, for independence from Great Britain. Who Was Richard Henry Lee?

What did Richard Henry Lee say about arms?

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” Richard Henry Lee was an American statesman from Virginia who made the motion, known as the Lee Resolution, for independence from Great Britain.

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Who was Richard Lee?

Where is Richard Henry Lee's school?

How many children did Richard Lee have?

Where was Thomas Lee born?

When was Lee elected president?

When did Lee declare independence?

Where did Lee go to school?

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What was so significant about Richard Henry Lee's resolution?

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, introduced this resolution in the Second Continental Congress proposing independence for the American colonies. In the early 1770s, more and more colonists became convinced that the British Parliament intended to take away their freedom.

How did Richard Henry Lee contribute to the cause of colonial independence?

Lee was an active member of the First Continental Congress, where admirers of his oratory compared him to Cicero. In the Second Continental Congress he introduced three resolutions: (1) for declaring independence, (2) for forming foreign alliances, and (3) for preparing a plan of confederation.

What was the purpose of Richard Henry Lee's proposal to declare independence?

The Lee Resolution (also known as "The Resolution for Independence") was the formal assertion passed by the Second Continental Congress on July 2, 1776 which resolved that the Thirteen Colonies in America were "free and independent States", separated from the British Empire and creating what became the United States of ...

Why is Richard Henry Lee considered a founding father?

While a member of the Second Continental Congress, Lee was the first person to formally propose independence to the Second Continental Congress. On June 7, 1776, Lee stood before the Second Continental Congress and boldly declared, "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States!"

What group was Richard Henry Lee specifically addressing when he proposed officially breaking away from Great Britain?

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduces a resolution for independence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia; John Adams seconds the motion.

What happened to Richard Henry Lee after he signed the Declaration of Independence?

Lee opposed the federal constitution, as he favored strong state rights. He was however elected the first State Senator from Virginia under the new federal government. He retired from that office to his home in Chantilly due to illness, and soon after died at the age of 62.

What did Richard Henry Lee do during the revolution?

An active participant in many key events in the Revolutionary War, Lee protested the Stamp Act in Virginia (1765), sat on the committee that named George Washington Commander-in-Chief of the Continental army (1775), and introduced the motion that led to the Declaration of Independence (1776).

What is the main point of the Declaration of Independence?

The main points of the Declaration of Independence are that people have guaranteed rights: rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If a government violates the rights of the people, the people have the right to rebel against it and abolish it.

What was the Congress decision about Lee's resolution to declare independence?

The Second Continental Congress, assembled in Philadelphia, formally adopts Richard Henry Lee's resolution for independence from Great Britain. The vote is unanimous, with only New York abstaining.

How is Richard Henry Lee remembered?

Richard Henry Lee, known by contemporaries as the "Cicero" of the American Revolution, was a politician and planter from Virginia who was indispensible to the founding of the United States. Lee was the driving force behind the creation of the intercolonial committees of correspondence; drafted and introduced the ...

What is significant about Independence Hall?

Independence Hall is the birthplace of the United States. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here. Eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government - the United States Constitution.

Who invented the Declaration of Independence?

Written in June 1776, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, included eighty-six changes made later by John Adams (1735–1826), Benjamin Franklin 1706–1790), other members of the committee appointed to draft the document, and by Congress.

Richard Henry Lee | The Society of the Descendants of the Signers of ...

Tall, slim with reddish hair, Richard Henry Lee was comfortable with speaking his opinion to the public. Born in 1732, Lee grew up at Stratford Hall, an enormous tobacco plantation in Westmoreland County, Va.

Colonel Richard Lee (1613 - 1664) - Genealogy

Colonel Richard Lee: Also Known As: "“The founder"", "Colonel Richard "The Immigrant" Lee Sr", "Richard Lee" Birthdate: between March 22, 1613 and 1617

Who was Richard Lee?

Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732 – June 19, 1794) was an American statesman and Founding Father from Virginia, best known for the June 1776 Lee Resolution, the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain leading to the United States Declaration of Independence, which he signed.

Where is Richard Henry Lee's school?

Lee is recognized as a Founding Father of the United States. Richard Henry Lee Elementary School in Rossmoor, California and Richard Henry Lee School in Chicago, Illinois are named in his honor. Richard Henry Lee Elementary in Glen Burnie, Maryland is also named after him. The World War II Liberty Ship SS Richard Henry Lee was named in his honor.

How many children did Richard Lee have?

The couple had seven children, five of whom survived infancy. Lee honored his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee (another signer of the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence), by naming his fourth son after him. Richard Henry Lee died on June 19, 1794, at the age of 62.

Where was Thomas Lee born?

He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia to Col. Thomas Lee and Hannah Harrison Ludwell Lee on January 20, 1732. He was raised and came from a line of military officers, diplomats, and legislators. His father, Thomas Lee, was the governor of Virginia before his death in 1750. Lee spent most of his early life in Stratford, Virginia with his family at Stratford Hall. Here he was tutored and taught in a variety of skills, and witnessed the very beginning of political career as his father sent him around to neighboring planters with the intention for Lee to become associated with neighboring men of like prominence. In 1748, at 16, Lee left Virginia for Yorkshire, England, to complete his formal education at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Both of his parents died in 1750 and, in 1753, after touring Europe, he returned to Virginia to help his brothers settle the estate his parents had left behind.

When was Lee elected president?

Lee was elected sixth president of Congress under the Articles of Confederation on November 30, 1784, in the French Arms Tavern, Trenton, New Jersey. Congress convened on January 11, 1785, in the old New York City Hall, with Lee presiding until November 23, 1785.

When did Lee declare independence?

American Revolution. In August 1774, Lee was chosen as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. In Lee's Resolution on June 7, 1776 during the Second Continental Congress, Lee put forth the motion to the Continental Congress to declare Independence from Great Britain, which read (in part):

Where did Lee go to school?

In 1748, at 16, Lee left Virginia for Yorkshire, England, to complete his formal education at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Both of his parents died in 1750 and, in 1753, after touring Europe, he returned to Virginia to help his brothers settle the estate his parents had left behind.

What was Richard Henry Lee's role in the Westmoreland Resolutions?

Though Parliament repealed the act except for the tax on tea, the Stamp Act sent a warning that the British government was supreme in all cases. For the next several years, things remained peaceful between the American colonies and the British Parliament.” ("Richard Henry Lee."). In August, Lee was appointed to the Continental Congress, and with his great oratorical skill he and others began to move American thinking from subservience to independence.

What were the causes of the American Revolution?

To start off, the Boston tea party was one of the causes of the American Revolution But before we get into the Boston tea party , we have to know a few things about the French and Indian War. Basically Britain and France fight a war for control over North America from 1756 to 1763. Britain wins, however they went into a big amount of debt fighting in it. After the war, the government of the British decided that the American colonist had to help pay that debt. So they start dumping on a number of taxes on the colonist.

Why did the colonists bring on the Tea Party and the Sons of Liberty?

The colonists viewed this as abuse. The tea party and the Sons of Liberty were both brought on because of the Boston Massacre. In 1770 Parliament repealed all the townshend duties besides tea. That led a temporary truce between the two sides in the years before the American Revolution. The next act was the Protest British Taxation Act.

Why did the British king impose taxes on the colonists?

When Britain won the war, the king imposed taxes because he felt he should be repaid for the expenses of the war. This angered the colonists because they felt they should have had representation in Parliament to be taxed. They shouted, “No taxation without Representation!” The Boston Massacre and The Boston Tea Party angered the colonists and the king.

Who was William Ellery's father?

His grandfather became very wealthy and made a large contribution to building a new church. His mother, Elizabeth, and her family, sailed on the Abigail to Portsmouth at the age of three. His father, William Ellery, took after his dad. He studied at Harvard and graduated in 1722 to then become a successful merchant just as his father did (Pyne).After William’s grandfather passed away, his dad inherited his father 's wealth due to him being the oldest son. He was a deputy, assistant to the Colonial Assembly, Judge of the county, and Deputy Governor of Rhode Island (Pyne).

Who was John Hancock's father?

In 1764, his dad, Thomas Hancock, died leaving him the House of Hancock. Along with that, he inherited many other properties. At age 27, he became one of the richest men in Massachusetts. While attending the Continental Congress on August 28, 1775, he married Dorothy Quincy. John and Dorothy had two children, but unfortunately, both died at very young ages.

Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?

John Hancock From his childhood and education, to his service to this country, and his presidential career John Hancock was one of the first people to sign the Declaration of Independent. He was also one of the most famous people to sign it. John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on January 23, 1737. He was born into a wealthy family his father was Reverend John Hancock , and his mother 's name was Mary Hawke Thaxter. John had six sibling three brothers and three sisters.

Who was Richard Henry Lee?

Richard Henry Lee. Richard Henry Lee was an American statesman from Virginia who made the motion, known as the Lee Resolution, for independence from Great Britain.

Where was Richard Lee born?

Early Life. Richard Henry Lee was born on January 20, 1732, at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland, Virginia. His father, grandfather and four brothers all served as military officers, diplomats and legislators. Lee was tutored at home and then sent to Wakefield Academy in England for his formal education.

What was the Lee Resolution?

The Lee Resolution. In April 1774, the British Parliament passed a series of laws labeled the "Intolerable Acts" by irate colonists. In August, Lee was appointed to the Continental Congress, and with his great oratorical skills, he, along with others, began to move American thinking from subservience to independence.

What did Lee do after school?

After school in England, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and later was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he proposed the colonies should be independent of Great Britain.

Why was Lee absent from the House of Delegates?

Lee served in the Virginia House of Delegates during the War for Independence but was frequently absent due to ill health. After the war's end, in 1783, he served in Congress under the Articles of Confederation and was unanimously elected president of the Congress.

When did Lee die?

In declining health, he retired from the Senate and public service to his family and the comfort of his home in Chantilly, Virginia. On June 19, 1794, Lee died at the age of 62.

Who was Lee married to?

In 1757, Lee married Anne Aylett and the couple had four children who survived into adulthood. Lee began his life of public service that same year as justice of the peace, and in 1758, he entered the House of Burgesses.

What was the purpose of the Lee Resolution?

He was instructed by Edmund Pendleton, the President of the Virginia Convention, to propose the resolution to the august men debating the future of the American Colonies. Pendleton spoke on Wednesday, May 15, 1776 to 112 Members of the Virginia Convention calling for independence from the British Empire. He sent the text of his speech to Richard Lee who then presented it to the Continental Congress as a resolution. John Adams seconded the resolution.#N#The resolution was then tabled for discussion the next day and still not resolved. By Monday, the Congress opted to postpone the implementation of Lee’s resolution but appointed a committee to “prepare a declaration to the effect of the said first resolution.” On Friday, June 28 a first draft was presented and was ordered to “lie on the table.” On Monday, July 1, Congress began to “take into consideration” the resolution. They considered and debated for two more days and finally, on Thursday, July 4, the Declaration of Independence was approved. The text and list of signatures was entered into the Journal. It would later be formally signed on August 2.#N#The Second Continental Congress began their sessions on May 10, 1775 as essentially a reconvening of the First Continental Congress. Many of the same 56 delegates were present. Peyton Randolph was again elected President of the Congress with Charles Thomson once again Secretary. Within two weeks Randolph was called back to Virginia to sit in the House of Burgesses. This led to a new member as a replacement, Thomas Jefferson. Other new members were Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock. Henry Middleton was elected President, but declined, so Hancock took the position.#N#Twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented. Georgia did not send delegates to the First Congress and was late in sending men to this reconvening. However, Lyman Hall did finally arrive to represent the Parish of St. John’s in Georgia. He represented the Parish and not the Colony itself. The First Continental Congress met in 1774 and expressed dissatisfaction with the British rule. Hostilities broke out on April 19, 1775 causing this second meeting to evolve. Georgia finally joined in the cause in July 1775. The Colonies not only declared their independence, but won their freedom from British rule as the Revolutionary War ended on September 3, 1783.#N#"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." – from Lee’s Resolution#N#"The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society." – Richard Lee#N#Source: http://patriciahysell.wordpress.com/tag/american-revolution/

Who was the speaker of the Virginia Convention in 1776?

Pendleton spoke on Wednesday, May 15, 1776 to 112 Members of the Virginia Convention calling for independence from the British Empire. He sent the text of his speech to Richard Lee who then presented it to the Continental Congress as a resolution. John Adams seconded the resolution.

How many colonies were represented in the First Congress?

Twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented. Georgia did not send delegates to the First Congress and was late in sending men to this reconvening. However, Lyman Hall did finally arrive to represent the Parish of St. John’s in Georgia. He represented the Parish and not the Colony itself.

When was the first draft of the Lee's resolution presented?

On Friday, June 28 a first draft was presented and was ordered to “lie on the table.”.

Who was the new president of the House of Burgesses?

Within two weeks Randolph was called back to Virginia to sit in the House of Burgesses. This led to a new member as a replacement, Thomas Jefferson. Other new members were Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock. Henry Middleton was elected President, but declined, so Hancock took the position.

Who was the primary author of the Lee Resolution?

Jefferson, well-known to be the best writer of the group, was selected to be the primary author of the document, which was presented to Congress for review on June 28, 1776. On July 1, 1776, debate on the Lee Resolution resumed as planned, with a majority of the delegates favoring the resolution.

Who introduced the resolution for independence?

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduces a resolution for independence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia; John Adams seconds the motion.

When was the Lee resolution delayed?

Thus, Congress agreed to delay the vote on the Lee Resolution until July 1. In the intervening period, Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal declaration of independence.

How many colonial delegations voted for independence?

Congress thought it of the utmost importance that independence be unanimously proclaimed. To ensure this, they delayed the final vote until July 2, when 12 colonial delegations voted in favor of it, with the New York delegates abstaining, unsure of how their constituents would wish them to vote.

Who was Richard Lee?

Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732 – June 19, 1794) was an American statesman and Founding Father from Virginia, best known for the June 1776 Lee Resolution, the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain leading to the United States Declaration of Independence, which he signed.

Where is Richard Henry Lee's school?

Lee is recognized as a Founding Father of the United States. Richard Henry Lee Elementary School in Rossmoor, California and Richard Henry Lee School in Chicago, Illinois are named in his honor. Richard Henry Lee Elementary in Glen Burnie, Maryland is also named after him. The World War II Liberty Ship SS Richard Henry Lee was named in his honor.

How many children did Richard Lee have?

The couple had seven children, five of whom survived infancy. Lee honored his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee (another signer of the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence), by naming his fourth son after him. Richard Henry Lee died on June 19, 1794, at the age of 62.

Where was Thomas Lee born?

He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia to Col. Thomas Lee and Hannah Harrison Ludwell Lee on January 20, 1732. He was raised and came from a line of military officers, diplomats, and legislators. His father, Thomas Lee, was the governor of Virginia before his death in 1750. Lee spent most of his early life in Stratford, Virginia with his family at Stratford Hall. Here he was tutored and taught in a variety of skills, and witnessed the very beginning of political career as his father sent him around to neighboring planters with the intention for Lee to become associated with neighboring men of like prominence. In 1748, at 16, Lee left Virginia for Yorkshire, England, to complete his formal education at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Both of his parents died in 1750 and, in 1753, after touring Europe, he returned to Virginia to help his brothers settle the estate his parents had left behind.

When was Lee elected president?

Lee was elected sixth president of Congress under the Articles of Confederation on November 30, 1784, in the French Arms Tavern, Trenton, New Jersey. Congress convened on January 11, 1785, in the old New York City Hall, with Lee presiding until November 23, 1785.

When did Lee declare independence?

American Revolution. In August 1774, Lee was chosen as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. In Lee's Resolution on June 7, 1776 during the Second Continental Congress, Lee put forth the motion to the Continental Congress to declare Independence from Great Britain, which read (in part):

Where did Lee go to school?

In 1748, at 16, Lee left Virginia for Yorkshire, England, to complete his formal education at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Both of his parents died in 1750 and, in 1753, after touring Europe, he returned to Virginia to help his brothers settle the estate his parents had left behind.

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