Why was the continental congress established?

The Continental Congress was established in response to the growing tensions between the British colonies in North America and the British government. Here are the main reasons for its establishment:

1. Grievances against British policies: The British government had implemented various policies that caused dissatisfaction among the colonists. These included the Stamp Act of 1765, the Townshend Acts of 1767, and the Intolerable Acts of 1774, which restricted colonial trade, imposed taxes without representation, and limited self-governance. The colonists felt that their rights as British subjects were being violated.

2. Need for coordination: As the grievances against British policies grew, the colonies realized that they needed to coordinate their efforts and present a united front. The Continental Congress provided a platform for representatives from different colonies to meet, discuss their concerns, and formulate a common response to the British government.

3. Desire for self-governance: The colonists were increasingly frustrated with the lack of representation in the British Parliament, which made decisions affecting the colonies without their input. They wanted to have a greater say in their own affairs and sought greater autonomy from Britain.

4. Defense against British military actions: The tensions between the colonies and the British government escalated into armed conflict in 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Continental Congress recognized the need for collective defense and established the Continental Army to coordinate the military efforts of the colonies.

5. Declaration of Independence: In July 1776, the Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence, which formally proclaimed the colonies' independence from British rule and established the United States of America. This decision was the culmination of the growing desire for self-determination that had led to the establishment of the Continental Congress.

Overall, the Continental Congress was formed as a response to the grievances and discontent among the British colonies, serving as a platform for coordination, self-governance, defense, and ultimately, the declaration of independence from British rule.