The Second Continental Congress was a gathering of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that convened in Philadelphia in May 1775, following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. This Congress acted as the de facto national government for the colonies, managing the war effort, coordinating military actions, and ultimately adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, shaping the philosophical foundations of American governance and later influencing the Articles of Confederation.
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The Second Continental Congress first convened on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, as tensions escalated between the colonies and Great Britain following events like the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
One of its significant actions was appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in June 1775.
The Congress issued the Olive Branch Petition in July 1775, seeking to avoid war with Britain, but it was rejected by King George III.
The Congress formally declared independence from Britain on July 2, 1776, with the Declaration of Independence being adopted two days later.
In 1781, the Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation, which provided a framework for governance during and after the Revolutionary War but ultimately proved ineffective due to its weak central authority.
Review Questions
How did the Second Continental Congress respond to the early military conflicts with Great Britain?
In response to early military conflicts like the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress took several decisive actions. It created the Continental Army to coordinate colonial military efforts against British forces and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief. This move united colonial military efforts under a centralized command structure, crucial for organizing resistance against British rule.
What role did the Second Continental Congress play in shaping American political philosophy?
The Second Continental Congress played a pivotal role in shaping American political philosophy by adopting key documents like the Declaration of Independence. This declaration articulated Enlightenment ideas about individual rights and government accountability, asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. These principles would later influence the development of American democratic governance and are reflected in foundational texts such as the Constitution.
Evaluate how the decisions made by the Second Continental Congress set a foundation for future governance in America.
The decisions made by the Second Continental Congress laid crucial groundwork for future governance in America by establishing a precedent for representative democracy and self-governance. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence not only signified a break from British rule but also introduced core principles of liberty and equality. Furthermore, when drafting the Articles of Confederation, they attempted to create a governing structure that acknowledged state sovereignty while still recognizing a need for a unified national effort. However, the limitations revealed by these articles would eventually lead to a stronger Constitution, emphasizing lessons learned during this formative period.
The document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from Britain and outlining the principles of individual rights and government by consent.
The first written constitution of the United States, drafted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, which established a weak central government and was later replaced by the current Constitution.