Continental Congress

Continental Congress refers to a series of legislative assemblies that convened in the Thirteen Colonies in North America between 1774 and 1789. These congresses were pivotal in orchestrating the American Revolution, leading to the independence of the United States from Great Britain. The Continental Congresses were of two types: the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress, each playing a crucial role in the history of the United States.

First Continental Congress

The First Continental Congress convened in September 1774, in response to the Coercive Acts (also known as the Intolerable Acts) passed by the British Parliament. These acts were intended to punish the Massachusetts colony for the Boston Tea Party. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies (excluding Georgia) met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, to discuss and formulate a collective response to the British policies. The Congress adopted the Suffolk Resolves, rejected the authority of the British Parliament over the colonies, and called for a boycott of British goods through the adoption of the Continental Association. It was during this congress that the foundations for a unified colonial government were laid.

Second Continental Congress

The Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775, shortly after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. It initially met in Philadelphia but had to move several times due to British military activities. This congress took on the role of a national government, authorizing the creation of the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief, and issuing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Second Continental Congress also drafted the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States until it was replaced by the United States Constitution in 1789.

Accomplishments

The Continental Congresses were instrumental in uniting the colonies against British rule. Their most significant accomplishments include:

• The establishment of the Continental Army and the appointment of George Washington as its commander.
• The drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence.
• The creation of the Articles of Confederation, which provided a framework for the national government of the newly independent states.
• The negotiation of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the sovereignty of the United States.

Legacy

The legacy of the Continental Congress is profound, as it laid the groundwork for the United States government and its principles of democracy and federalism. The decisions made and the documents produced by these congresses are foundational to the American political system and continue to influence the nation's identity and governance.