The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that met from 1774 to 1789, serving as the governing body during the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in coordinating colonial resistance against British rule, uniting the colonies in their pursuit of independence, and ultimately establishing a framework for the new government of the United States.
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The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in September 1774, with delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies (excluding Georgia) focusing on addressing grievances with Britain.
The Second Continental Congress took place in May 1775, shortly after the battles of Lexington and Concord, and was responsible for overseeing the Revolutionary War effort.
During its meetings, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, highlighting its role in military leadership.
The Congress also coordinated diplomatic efforts to secure foreign alliances, particularly with France, which proved vital for American success in the Revolutionary War.
After the war, the Continental Congress served as a transitional government until the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in 1781, showcasing its evolving role in American governance.
Review Questions
How did the Continental Congress contribute to unifying the colonies against British rule?
The Continental Congress served as a crucial platform for delegates from various colonies to come together and discuss their collective grievances against British policies. By organizing resistance efforts like boycotts and petitioning the Crown, it fostered a sense of unity among the colonies. The establishment of committees and communication networks also helped to coordinate responses to British actions, laying the groundwork for a unified front leading to independence.
Discuss the impact of the decisions made by the Second Continental Congress on the course of the American Revolution.
The Second Continental Congress played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the American Revolution by assuming control over military strategy and governance. By appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief, it established a professional military leadership. Additionally, its decision to adopt the Declaration of Independence marked a significant shift from seeking reconciliation with Britain to outright rebellion, solidifying colonial commitment to independence and galvanizing support among colonists.
Evaluate how the experience and decisions of the Continental Congress influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
The experience gained during its sessions significantly influenced the founding principles embedded in the U.S. Constitution. The weaknesses exposed under the Articles of Confederation prompted leaders from the Continental Congress to recognize the need for a stronger federal government. The debates and compromises reached during this period shaped critical aspects of governance such as representation, checks and balances, and federalism, leading to a constitutional framework that addressed previous challenges faced by the colonies.
Related terms
First Continental Congress: The assembly that convened in 1774 to address colonial grievances over British policies and to organize resistance against British rule.
Second Continental Congress: The assembly that convened in 1775, which managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence, ultimately adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.