Second Continental Congress

Definition

The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that met from May 1775 to March 1781, acting as the de facto national government during the American Revolution. This assembly coordinated military efforts against British rule, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and establishing key governmental functions for the newly emerging nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in response to growing tensions with Britain after the battles of Lexington and Concord.
2. One of its key achievements was appointing George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, unifying military efforts against British forces.
3. In 1776, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the colonies' right to self-governance and independence from Britain.
4. The Congress also managed foreign relations and sought alliances, notably with France, to gain support against Britain.
5. The period of the Second Continental Congress included significant debates on governance that ultimately led to the creation of the Articles of Confederation.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Continental Congress transition from a gathering focused on reconciliation with Britain to one advocating for independence?
  • Initially, the Second Continental Congress aimed for reconciliation with Britain through measures like the Olive Branch Petition. However, as military conflicts intensified and British responses grew harsher, including dismissing their petitions, many delegates began advocating for complete independence. This shift was solidified with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking a definitive turn toward self-governance.
• Analyze the role of the Second Continental Congress in shaping military strategy during the American Revolution.
  • The Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in shaping military strategy by establishing the Continental Army and appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief. The Congress coordinated efforts among various colonial militias, facilitated funding and supplies, and directed military campaigns against British forces. This centralized command helped unify disparate colonial forces under a common goal of achieving independence.
• Evaluate how the decisions made by the Second Continental Congress influenced future governance in America following independence.
  • The decisions made by the Second Continental Congress significantly influenced America's future governance by laying foundational principles for democratic representation and civil rights. By adopting the Declaration of Independence, it set a precedent for popular sovereignty and individual rights. Additionally, the experience gained from managing war efforts led to discussions about federalism that eventually shaped the Articles of Confederation and later the U.S. Constitution, highlighting a commitment to structured governance while balancing state and national powers.

Related terms

Continental Army: The army established by the Second Continental Congress in June 1775 to fight against British forces, led by General George Washington.

Olive Branch Petition: A document sent by the Second Continental Congress to King George III in July 1775, expressing loyalty to the crown while seeking a peaceful resolution to conflicts.

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document created by the Second Continental Congress, ratified in 1781, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states.