05/31/2026
In the month of May, 1776, things continued to escalate. The Rhode Island General Assembly voted to repeal a previous Act of Allegiance to the King, becoming the first state to renounce its allegiance. A small part of the document read as follows:
“….whereas George the Third King of Britain, forgetting his dignity, regardless of the Compact most solemnly entered into ratified and confirmed to the inhabitants of this Colony, by his illustrious ancestors- and till of late fully recognized by him, and entirely departing from the duties and character of a good king- instead of protecting is endeavoring to destroy the good people of this Colony, and of all the United Colonies, by sending fleets, and armies to America, to confiscate our property, and to spread Fire, Sword and Desolation throughout our country, in order to compel us to submit to the debasing and detestable tyranny, whereby we are obliged by necessity, and it becomes our highest duty to use every means with which God and nature have furnished us, in support of our invaluable rights, and privileges to oppose that power which is exerted only for our destruction.”
A few days later in the month Congress passed a resolution advising all colonies to form new government that is inclined towards independence. Virginia authorized its delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for Independence and by the end of May all the colonies were authorized by the Continental Congress to arm themselves for the brewing war. 🇺🇸
