Continental Congresses

Definition

The Continental Congresses were a series of gatherings of representatives from the Thirteen Colonies that served as a governing body during the American Revolution. The First Continental Congress met in 1774 to address colonial grievances, while the Second Continental Congress, convening in 1775, played a crucial role in managing the war effort and eventually declaring independence from Britain. These congresses represented an early form of self-governance and unity among the colonies in their struggle against British rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in September 1774, with representatives from twelve colonies (excluding Georgia) to discuss collective responses to British policies.
2. The Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775, shortly after the battles of Lexington and Concord, and took on greater authority by managing the Revolutionary War.
3. The Continental Congress authorized the formation of the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
4. In addition to declaring independence, the Continental Congress also negotiated alliances with foreign nations, notably France, which provided crucial support to the American cause.
5. The decisions made by the Continental Congresses laid the groundwork for American democracy and governance after independence, influencing future political structures.

Review Questions

• How did the First Continental Congress influence colonial unity against British rule?
  • The First Continental Congress helped foster a sense of unity among the colonies by bringing together delegates from different regions to address common grievances against British policies. This congress created a platform for communication and cooperation, leading to coordinated actions like boycotts of British goods. The shared experiences and discussions at this congress set the stage for further collaboration in their fight for rights and self-governance.
• In what ways did the Second Continental Congress expand its role from managing war efforts to declaring independence?
  • Initially focused on coordinating military efforts against British forces, the Second Continental Congress evolved into a more authoritative governing body as tensions escalated. By June 1776, with ongoing conflicts and growing calls for independence, it appointed a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. The congress’s decision to adopt this document on July 4 marked a decisive shift from seeking reconciliation with Britain to asserting autonomy and establishing a new nation.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the decisions made by the Continental Congresses on American governance and democracy.
  • The Continental Congresses laid critical foundations for American governance by establishing practices of representative democracy and collective decision-making. Their experiences informed the creation of essential documents like the Declaration of Independence and later the Articles of Confederation. These early congresses demonstrated that colonists could self-organize and govern effectively, ultimately shaping American political culture and influencing democratic principles that are still relevant today.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

The document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the colonies' separation from Great Britain and outlining their rights.

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government and was later replaced by the current U.S. Constitution.

Militia: A military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers, often used to defend the colonies during the American Revolution.