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Today in History: Halifax Resolves: First Call for American Independence

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 12, 1776, the North Carolina Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, marking the first official call for independence from Great Britain in the American colonies. This pivotal resolution set the stage for the upcoming Declaration of Independence, which would be presented to Congress just three months later, advancing the revolutionary movement.

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Story summary

On April 12, 1776, the North Carolina Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, marking the first official call for independence from Great Britain in the American colonies. This pivotal resolution set the stage for the upcoming Declaration of Independence, which would be presented to Congress just three months later, advancing the revolutionary movement.