One of the great American revolutionaries once proclaimed, "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent States." That man was Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. With these lasting words of his, full of virtue and passion, the colonies were on their way to declaring independence from Britain and becoming the United States of America. In the years leading up to and following the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee fought for the liberty of all Americans, bringing unity and morality to the colonies while working to define the United States. For his consistent contributions and influences in a variety of different areas, Richard Henry Lee was the individual most responsible for the American Revolution. .
Richard Henry Lee's devotion to the American cause, which he believed to be built on virtue above all else, was the basis for his notably early and active response to Britain's revised imperial policies on the colonies. To Lee, the asset that defined America was self-sacrifice for the better of all society. This idea became Lee's motivation and, already in a political position in the House of Burgesses by the time the Revolution had begun, led him to take a firm stand against the Acts passed by Parliament. In 1764, "Lee confessed himself so warmed by Britain's plan to impose a stamp tax that he could hardly contain his rage." (Maier, 179) He believed that Britain was violating their rights as well as the English Constitution by refusing Americans the right to be governed by their own laws, and taxing without their consent. Long before any major Patriot uprisings developed, Richard Henry Lee had his foot in the door, willing to do whatever it was going to take to restore reason and justice between Britain and the colonies. .
Furthermore, Lee's public actions in defying Britain's restrictions on the colonies helped to serve as inspiration for other Americans to protest as well.