The Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a pivotal assembly of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies, which met from 1775 to 1781. Building upon the work of the First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in the governance of the colonies during the American Revolution.
Formation and Context
The First Continental Congress had convened in response to the Intolerable Acts, with the purpose of addressing grievances against the British Crown. When it adjourned in October 1774, it called for a Second Congress to convene if the petition of rights was not addressed. In May 1775, as the Revolutionary War was already underway with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia.
Key Actions and Decisions
Military Leadership and the Continental Army
One of the first and most significant actions of the Second Continental Congress was the establishment of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. This decision marked the formal creation of a unified colonial military force. George Washington, a delegate from Virginia, was appointed as the army's Commander-in-Chief, a decision critical to the subsequent military efforts of the colonies.
Declaration of Independence
The Second Continental Congress is perhaps best known for its role in the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence. On June 11, 1776, a "Committee of Five," including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, was tasked with drafting the document. The Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, signaling the colonies' official break from British rule.
International Relations
To garner international support, the Congress sent emissaries, such as Benjamin Franklin, to foreign nations like France and Spain. These efforts eventually led to crucial alliances and support, particularly from France, which provided military aid and financial support.
Governance and the Articles of Confederation
To establish a more structured government, the Congress drafted the Articles of Confederation, which were ratified in 1781. This document served as the first constitution of the United States and marked the transition from a loosely organized group of colonies to a more formalized union known as the United States of America.
Challenges and Legacy
The delegates of the Second Continental Congress faced numerous challenges, including managing war efforts, economic instability, and internal political divisions. Despite these difficulties, their decisions laid the groundwork for a new nation and set a precedent for governance and diplomatic relations.
The Second Continental Congress eventually gave way to the Congress of the Confederation, continuing its role as the governing body under the Articles of Confederation until the establishment of the United States Constitution in 1789.