The Continental Congress: Origins, Purpose, and Path to Independence

Reasons for Establishment

1. Grievances against British policies: Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Intolerable Acts violated colonial rights.
2. Need for coordination: Colonies required a united platform to respond collectively.
3. Desire for self-governance: Lack of representation in Parliament fueled autonomy demands.
4. Defense against British military actions: After Lexington and Concord (1775), the Congress created the Continental Army.
5. Declaration of Independence: July 1776, formalizing separation from Britain.