Continental Congress

The Continental Congress was the legislature of the Thirteen Colonies and later of the United States from 1774 to 1789, a period that included the American Revolutionary War and the Articles of Confederation. There were two Continental Congresses.

The Continental Congress

The Stamp Act Congress, formed by colonials to respond to the unpopular Stamp Act taxes, was the direct precursor of the Continental Congress, which was itself formed largely in response to the so-called Intolerable Acts. The First Continental Congress was planned through the permanent committees of correspondence, which kept the local colonial governments in communication with one another as their common opposition to Britain grew. It lasted only from September 5, 1774, to October 26, 1774, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Peyton Randolph served as the first President of the Continental Congress.

Related Topics:
Stamp Act Congress - Stamp Act - Intolerable Acts - Committees of correspondence - September 5 - 1774 - October 26 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Peyton Randolph - President of the Continental Congress

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The primary accomplishment of the First Continental Congress was the drafting of the Articles of Association on October 20, 1774. The Articles formed a compact among twelve of the thirteen colonies to boycott British goods, and to cease exports to Britain as well if the "Intolerable Acts" were not repealed. The boycott was successfully implemented, but its potential at altering British colonial policy was cut off by the outbreak of open fighting in 1775.

Related Topics:
Articles of Association - October 20 - 1774 - 1775

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The Second Continental Congress met on May 10, 1775. The Congress resolved that Britain had declared war against them on March 26, 1775. The Continental Army was created on June 15, 1775, to oppose the British, and General George Washington was appointed commander in chief. On July 8, 1775, they extended the Olive Branch Petition to the crown as an attempt at reconciliation. (King George III refused to receive it.) Silas Deane was sent to France as an ambassador of the United States. American ports were reopened in defiance of the Navigation Acts. Most importantly, on July 4, 1776, they adopted the Declaration of Independence. This Congress nobly tried to lead the new country through the war with very little money and little real power. The Congress had disagreements with others such as politicians who wanted payment and the military who wanted more control. However, despite these problems, with the help of the Continental Congress?s guidance throughout the war, the colonists prevailed.

Related Topics:
May 10 - 1775 - March 26 - Continental Army - June 15 - George Washington - Commander in chief - July 8 - Olive Branch Petition - George III - Silas Deane - France - Ambassador - July 4 - 1776 - Declaration of Independence

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