John Powell = early 20th c. historian & taught at Iowa State and U. of Delaware

Most people know about July 4, 1776, but the dramatic decision for independence was really forged during the great debate on Monday, July 1, 1776, in Philadelphia.

Every delegate understood the gravity of the decision before Congress. A vote for Richard Henry Lee's Resolution for Independence would openly sever the colonies' political connection with Great Britain. The outcome was far from certain.

Only a few colonies were firmly committed to independence. Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and South Carolina were still uncertain or divided. At the last moment, Maryland sent new instructions supporting independence, strengthening the cause of independence in Congress.

Meanwhile, Congress received discouraging military reports. American forces had suffered setbacks in Canada, the British army was advancing, and many feared the Revolution might fail. These reports strengthened the arguments of those who believed independence should be delayed. The question before Congress was Richard Henry Lee's Resolution for Independence.

The debate centered on two remarkable men:

John Dickinson of Pennsylvania argued that independence should wait. He believed America first needed stronger governments, a united confederation, and firm alliances—especially with France—before taking the irreversible step of declaring independence.  Dickinson opposed immediate independence, not independence itself. He believed the colonies should first be better prepared politically and diplomatically.

John Adams of Massachusetts argued the opposite. He believed the colonies had already reached the point where independence was necessary. Delay would only create uncertainty. Independence, he believed, would unite the colonies, inspire their people, and give purpose to the war already being fought.

Dickinson delivered one of the longest and most carefully prepared speeches of his career. Adams answered with a powerful speech delivered largely from memory. Even political opponents later praised the ability and sincerity of both men.

The question before Congress was Richard Henry Lee's Resolution for Independence. The Second Continental Congress held a preliminary vote:  By evening, the first vote showed nine colonies supporting Richard Henry Lee's Resolution for Independence, while Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted no, Delaware was divided, and New York abstained because its delegates lacked authority to vote yes.

By evening, nine colonies supported Richard Henry Lee's Resolution for Independence; Pennsylvania and South Carolina opposed it, Delaware was divided, and New York abstained because its delegates lacked authority to vote for independence. At Edward Rutledge's request, Congress postponed the final decision until the following morning