Continental Congress

Definition

The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that governed during the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in unifying the colonies, managing the war effort, and establishing foreign alliances while addressing issues related to wartime economy and financing the Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Continental Congress met in 1774 in response to the Intolerable Acts and aimed to address colonial grievances while promoting unity among the colonies.
2. The Continental Congress had to navigate significant financial challenges during the Revolution, leading to measures like issuing paper money and seeking loans from foreign allies.
3. During its sessions, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a continental army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
4. The Congress also played a pivotal role in negotiating treaties with foreign nations, such as France, which provided critical military and financial support to the American cause.
5. After the war, the Continental Congress faced difficulties in governance due to its lack of authority under the Articles of Confederation, prompting calls for a stronger federal system.

Review Questions

• How did the Continental Congress contribute to unifying the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution?
  • The Continental Congress served as a central platform where delegates from all Thirteen Colonies could come together to discuss common grievances against British rule and coordinate their efforts. By addressing issues collectively, such as imposing boycotts on British goods and forming a united military strategy, it fostered a sense of solidarity among the colonies. This unity was crucial in organizing resistance against British authority and laid the groundwork for future collaboration in establishing an independent nation.
• What strategies did the Continental Congress employ to finance the Revolutionary War, and how effective were these strategies?
  • To finance the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress implemented several strategies including issuing paper currency known as 'Continentals', which ultimately led to inflation and decreased value. They also sought loans from foreign nations like France and Spain. While these efforts helped fund military operations temporarily, they struggled with consistent revenue generation due to lack of taxing power and widespread financial instability within the states. Consequently, these financial challenges highlighted weaknesses in governance under the Articles of Confederation after independence.
• Evaluate the legacy of the Continental Congress in shaping American governance following independence.
  • The legacy of the Continental Congress is profound in shaping American governance post-independence. Its experience highlighted significant shortcomings in its ability to govern effectively under the Articles of Confederation, prompting debates that eventually led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The principles of democracy and representation that emerged during its sessions influenced future political frameworks. Additionally, it set a precedent for cooperative governance among states, establishing an essential foundation for federalism in America.

Related terms

Second Continental Congress: The Second Continental Congress, which convened in 1775, took on the role of acting as the national government during the American Revolution, organizing military efforts and ultimately adopting the Declaration of Independence.

Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution for the United States, created by the Continental Congress, which established a framework for national government but proved ineffective due to its weak central authority.

Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of Independence was a document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from British rule and outlining the principles of individual rights and government by consent.