What led to the Revolutionary War?
The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War (1754–63). Learn about the Boston Tea Party, the colonists’ radical response to a tax on tea.
What happened after the Second Continental Congress?
With the guidance of Congress, the Patriots moved incrementally towards independence, adopting the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
What was the main goal of the Second Continental Congress?
While the direct goal of the Second Continental Congress was to prepare for war, the delegates weren’t actually talking about independence just yet (aside from a few radical voices).
Why was the 2nd Continental Congress important?
The Second Congress functioned as a de facto national government at the outset of the Revolutionary War by raising armies, directing strategy, appointing diplomats, and writing petitions such as the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms and the Olive Branch Petition.
How did the Second Continental Congress start the Revolutionary War?
By the time the Second Continental Congress met, the American Revolutionary War had already started with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Congress was to take charge of the war effort. For the first few months of the struggle, the Patriots had carried on their struggle in an ad-hoc and uncoordinated manner.
Who are the members of the Second Continental Congress?
Other notable members of the Congress included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. By the time the Second Continental Congress met, the American Revolutionary War was already underway. For the first few months of this conflict, the Patriots had carried on their struggle in an ad-hoc and uncoordinated manner.
How did the battles of Lexington and Concord affect the Second Continental Congress?
Though the ideas of conservatives continued to be debated in the Congress, the battles at Lexington and Concord and the subsequent siege of Boston pushed many of the delegates into the radical camp.
What was the most important accomplishment of the Second Continental Congress?
Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull, 1819: The resolution for independence was among the most important accomplishments of the Second Continental Congress.