A Full Overview of the Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was a political body that existed from 1774 to 1789, during the American Revolution and the early years of the United States. It was formed to provide a unified front against British rule and to coordinate the colonial response to British policies. This article will provide a full overview of the Continental Congress, including its structure, key accomplishments, and legacy.
Structure
The Continental Congress was made up of delegates from the thirteen colonies, who were elected by their respective colonial assemblies. The number of delegates from each colony varied, but each colony had one vote in Congress. Initially, the Continental Congress served as a forum for colonists to air their grievances and work towards a common response to British policies. However, as tensions escalated and the American Revolution began, Congress took on a more formal role in governing the colonies.
Accomplishments
The Continental Congress accomplished several key things during its existence. First and foremost, it coordinated the colonial response to British policies, including the drafting of petitions and declarations of rights. In 1775, Congress created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington its commander-in-chief, thus becoming the de facto government of the newly formed United States.
Perhaps its most important accomplishment, however, was its role in drafting and approving the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This document, which declared the colonies’ separation from Britain and their commitment to democratic ideals, has become a cornerstone of American political thought and is celebrated as a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world.
Legacy
The Continental Congress played a vital role in shaping the early years of American history and has left a lasting legacy that can still be felt today. Its commitment to democratic principles and civil liberties helped to lay the foundation for the American government that we know today. The Constitution, which was drafted and ratified in the years following the Continental Congress, owes much to the principles and ideals that were first articulated by the Congress during the Revolution.
Conclusion
The Continental Congress was an important political body that played a key role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States. Its achievements, including the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the American army and government, have helped to shape the course of American history. While the Continental Congress is no longer in existence, its legacy lives on in the democratic and civil liberties that are enshrined in the Constitution and that continue to be celebrated by Americans today.
The Continental Congress was a convention made up of delegates from the colonies in America. These conventions were used as organizational efforts to move forward in the hopes of obtaining freedom for the colonies and securing rights for citizens of the colonies.
Continental Congress Background
The Continental Congress was a body of delegates from twelve out of the thirteen colonies of America during the late 1700s. This body of delegates came together to form a convention in which they planned out the necessary actions that the colonies had to take in order to secure emancipation from their oppressor, England. The First Continental Congress was the initial discussion and planning movement in which the delegates discussed their views of England and how the colonies could be better served. The Second Continental Congress was the action portion. This is where formal appeals and strong planning was done to secure the colonies’ freedom.
First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress met in 1774. This was when the original 56 delegates from the twelve participating colonies came together to discuss their feelings towards England and to gain an understanding of the action that was necessary in order to secure their rights. For some, this was a difficult convention because there was still loyalty to England. For others, this was the necessary beginning towards a progressive movement of freedom.
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress occurred in 1775. Many of the same individual who attended the First Continental Congress were seen at the second one as well. However, there were new and notable additions to the Congress. Individuals like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were now in attendance. This was where the idea of the Declaration of Independence came around and was the first part of a large movement toward independence.
