The Importance Of The Second Continental Congress

Question 1

When did the Continental Congress happen and why is this significant ?

Answer 1

May 1775
- developments in the fighting, unofficial army of milita and volunteers besieging Boston and rebellion spreading
- Britain refused peace talks and there was aggressive talk of separation from the colonists

Question 2

Was there unanimity in the second congress ?

Answer 2

There was a lack of unity over declaring independence and some middle state forbid their delegates from support independence

Question 3

What almost forced congress to have power ?

Answer 3

The flight of the governors left a power vacuum which the second congress filled
- it gave them legitimate authority

Question 4

What did the second continental congress establish

Answer 4

• Armed forces made into the continental army under George Washington as Commander in Chief
• states authorised to establish own independent governments and assemblies: continuation of revolution power and control would be established and a maintenance of congressional action
• Agents authorised to purchase weapons
• printing of money authorised to pay for preparations

Question 5

What was a worry in the first congress which was no longer apparent in regards to independence ?

Answer 5

• Milita taking power and mixed interest of the colonies
• almost entirely unapparent by the actions in April 1774 which made military action necessary and changed opinion

Question 6

What were the fears of independence ? Why had this changed

Answer 6

• being take over by either France of Spain
• fears of loss of trade and its consequences
• fears of local independence

In April 1775 these fears had been overshadowed by the violence and made military action necessary which was confirmed by Bunker hill