Second Continental Congress

The Second Continental Congress was convened on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.

The primary purpose of the Second Continental Congress was to manage the war effort against Great Britain and coordinate the actions of the thirteen American colonies.

George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress on June 15, 1775.

The Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition in an attempt to reconcile with Britain, expressing loyalty to King George III while requesting redress of grievances. However, it was rejected by the British government.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress declared the independence of the United States by adopting the Lee Resolution, and two days later, on July 4, 1776, they approved the final text of the Declaration of Independence.

The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, were drafted and adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. They later went into effect in 1781.

The Congress faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties, internal conflicts, and the management of the war effort against the British military.

The Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in diplomatic efforts, securing alliances with France and other European nations, which greatly aided the American cause in the Revolutionary War.

The Treaty of Paris of 1783, which officially ended the Revolutionary War, was negotiated and signed by representatives of the United States at the direction of the Second Continental Congress.

The Second Continental Congress laid the groundwork for the development of the United States as an independent nation and contributed to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.