In this Resolution of the Continental Congress, the delegates state that since the British Crown and Parliament had excluded the colonies from its protection, had not sent an answer to their petitions, and that the force of the kingdom (including foreign mercenaries) were being “exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies,” that all authority from the British Crown should be totally suppressed. Instead, that the United Colonies must adopt their own government for the “happiness and safety” of Americans..
John Adams thought of it as “independence itself” and called it “the most important Resolution, that ever was taken in America.”
