second continental congress Flashcards
1
Q
why did this occur
A
as a result of the battle of lexington and concord. summoned to express and coordinate opposition to the coercive acts.
2
Q
when did it meet and where
A
may 1775 in philadelphia.
3
Q
how many delegates were present
A
- 65 delegates were present, from all 13 colonies.
- 50 had served in 1774- degree of continuity.
- also included influentials such as Jefferson and Franklin
4
Q
what did the congress do?
A
- assumed responsibility for the army around boston
- took charge of the conduct of the war
- impressed a quota on each colony to raise a Continental Army of 20,000 men
- mid-june, congress voted to issue $2 million in paper money to finance the force
- unanimously appointed George Washington as head of the CA
- adopted the olive branch petition- petition to King George III to prevent further hostile measures so that a plan of reconiciliation could be worked out (but the king refused to consider this)
5
Q
why was this so important
A
- it was a critical step as it represented the move towards full-scale war with Britain, was not a protest like the first
- the issuing of paper money laid the groundwork for the creation of the united states and so was more important that the first.
