Which colonist formally introduced the idea that the colonies should be "free and independent states"?

Your answer would be Richard Henry Lee.

That colonist that formally introduced the idea that the colonies should be "free and independent states" was Richard Henry lee.

Explanation:

Richard Henry Lee was a Virginian colonist that went to the second continental congress, in June of 1776, to introduce a solution for the 13 colonies. His solution for the nation was that the different colonies should be independent from each other, and have freedom. After saying that during the continental congress, 5 of the committees that were there agreed to it, and wanted to make a declaration immediately, one of them being Thomas Jefferson, and that was one of the things that led to the Declaration of Independence. Lee's statement made a new nation, and it also change the philosophy of human freedom. If it wasn't for him pitching in his thoughts on what the 13 colonies should do, the United States would be totally different.

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