Continental Congress

Definition

The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the thirteen American colonies that first met in 1774, serving as a governing body during the early stages of the American Revolution. This assembly was crucial in coordinating colonial resistance against British rule, addressing grievances, and ultimately declaring independence, marking a pivotal moment in the path to revolution and self-governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Continental Congress was formed in response to increasing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain, particularly after events like the Intolerable Acts.
2. The First Continental Congress included notable figures such as George Washington, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, who collectively represented the colonies' interests.
3. The Second Continental Congress effectively functioned as the de facto national government during the Revolutionary War, organizing military efforts and diplomacy.
4. In 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, a historic document that articulated the colonies' desire for freedom and justified their break from British authority.
5. The decisions made by the Continental Congress laid the foundation for the establishment of the United States government and its democratic principles.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Continental Congress reflect colonial unity and resistance against British policies?
  • The formation of the Continental Congress was a direct response to British policies that were viewed as oppressive by the colonies. It reflected a growing sense of unity among diverse colonial interests as representatives gathered to discuss collective actions against Britain. This assembly marked a critical step towards organized resistance, culminating in coordinated protests such as boycotts and petitions, showing that the colonies were ready to act together rather than individually.
• Discuss the impact of key decisions made by the Continental Congress on the progression toward independence from Britain.
  • Key decisions made by both the First and Second Continental Congresses significantly propelled the colonies toward independence. For instance, during the Second Continental Congress, delegates decided to appoint George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, which strengthened military efforts against British forces. Additionally, drafting and adopting the Declaration of Independence symbolized a definitive break with Britain, solidifying their commitment to self-governance and inspiring revolutionary sentiment across America.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Continental Congress influenced future democratic governance in America.
  • The legacy of the Continental Congress established foundational principles for future democratic governance in America. Its role in unifying disparate colonies under a common cause set a precedent for collective decision-making and representative governance. The documents produced by this body, especially the Declaration of Independence, not only articulated fundamental rights but also inspired later frameworks like the Articles of Confederation and eventually the U.S. Constitution. This emphasis on representation and individual rights remains integral to American democracy today.

Related terms

First Continental Congress: The first gathering of representatives from twelve of the thirteen colonies in September 1774, which aimed to address colonial grievances and unify resistance against British policies.

Second Continental Congress: The assembly that convened in May 1775, which managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence, including the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence: A formal statement adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress declaring the thirteen colonies free from British rule and outlining the principles of individual rights and government by consent.