History of North America

What did the second continental congress talk about?

The Second Continental Congress began on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a gathering of delegates from the twelve colonies that had revolted against Great Britain in the American Revolution. The Congress acted as the de facto national government of the United Colonies until 1781.

Here are some of the key issues that the Second Continental Congress discussed and addressed:

* Declaration of Independence: The Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which formally proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' independence from Great Britain.

* Articles of Confederation: The Congress drafted and ratified the Articles of Confederation in 1781, which served as the first constitution of the United States until 1789.

* Military and War Strategies: The Congress coordinated the military effort against Great Britain and approved the creation of the Continental Army, led by General George Washington.

* Foreign Relations: The Congress sent diplomatic missions to foreign countries to seek support and recognition of American independence, such as the mission to France led by Benjamin Franklin.

* Currency and Finance: The Congress issued paper currency, known as Continental dollars, to finance the war effort.

* Colonial Rights and Liberties: The Congress addressed issues of colonial rights and liberties by adopting measures such as the Declaration of Rights and Grievances.

* Petition to King George III: The Congress initially attempted to reconcile with Great Britain and sent a petition to King George III, known as the Olive Branch Petition, although it was ultimately rejected.

* Creation of Governmental Bodies: The Congress established various committees and departments to handle different aspects of governance, such as the Committee of Secret Correspondence and the Board of War.

The Second Continental Congress played a crucial role in shaping the course of the American Revolution and laid the foundation for the creation of the United States of America as a sovereign nation. Its deliberations and decisions profoundly impacted the political, social, and economic landscape of the new country.