4th of july Quote by Richard Henry Lee
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Document: Declaration of Independence, 1776
The colonies claim the right to be free, severing all ties with Britain.
In simple terms: Colonies demand independence from Britain.
Key Takeaway
Support self‑determination and freedom.
Themes
politics
freedom
revolution
Mood
historical
political
Type
revolutionary
foundational
When to use this quote
- colonial governance
- national movements
- human rights activism
Key Concepts
sovereignty
self‑determination
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany newfound freedom?
- How can societies balance liberty with order?
A Different Perspective
Independence may lead to conflict and instability.
![“Their very independence from Great Britain resulted, as Thomas Paine had predicted it would in 1776, from the implausibility that “a Continent [could] be perpetually governed by an island.”12” quote by John Lewis Gaddis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd0/john-lewis-gaddis-16949_quote_their-very-independence-from-great-brita_2665619.jpg)
![“Militias, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves and include all men capable of bearing 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.” quote by Richard Henry Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4cf/richard-henry-lee-32108_2-amendment_militias-when-properly-formed-are-in-fac_1843730.jpg)
![“Trial by jury in civil causes,... trial by jury in criminal causes, [and] the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus... all stand on the same footing; they are the common rights of Americans.” quote by Richard Henry Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/439/richard-henry-lee-32108_benefits_trial-by-jury-in-civil-causes-trial-by-j_1892984.jpg)
