Second Continental Congress: From Armed Resistance to Independence

Convened May 10, 1775 in Philadelphia—weeks after Lexington & Concord—the Second Continental Congress became the de facto national government of the revolting colonies.

Key Decisions & Actions

1. Declaration of Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms (July 6, 1775)

Drafted by Dickinson & Jefferson. Justified armed resistance as defensive, not separatist—yet. Blamed Parliament/ministers, not King (yet).

2. Continental Army Created (June 14, 1775)

• Adopted New England militia besieging Boston.
• Appointed George Washington Commander-in-Chief (unanimous, political masterstroke: Virginian leading New England troops).
• Established rank structure, pay, enlistment terms.

3. Olive Branch Petition (July 8, 1775)

Final appeal to George III for reconciliation. Rejected; King declared colonies "in rebellion" (Aug 1775).

4. Diplomatic Outreach

• Sent Silas Deane to France (secret aid).
• Later: Franklin, Adams, Jay → Treaty of Alliance 1778.

5. Financial Measures

• Issued Continental Currency (paper money) — "Continental" became synonym for worthless due to hyperinflation.
• Borrowed from France, Netherlands; domestic loans.

6. Independence Declaration (July 1776)

• June 7: Richard Henry Lee resolution.
• Committee of Five (Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, Livingston).
• July 2: Voted independence. July 4: Adopted Declaration.

7. Governance

• Articles of Confederation drafted (1777), ratified (1781).
• Managed war, treaties, Indian affairs, postal service.

Legacy

Transformed a protest into a revolution, created a army, declared sovereignty, and forged foreign alliances—all while inventing American governance on the fly.