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_____September 5, 1774 was an important day in American history. It was the day on which a group of 56 delegates from twelve of the thirteen British North American colonies met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. This meeting of the Continental Congress, which they called their body of representatives, was a response to the unity which was spreading through the colonies. Their purpose was to deal with the complaints against Great Britain, specifically the Coercive Acts passed by Parliament earlier that year.
_____At the First Continental Congress, Virginia's Peyton Randolph was chosen unanimously to be the president. Each colony, regardless of size or population, was given one vote. Georgia was unrepresented by any delegates, but they agreed to support the decisions made at the meeting. The list of those in attendance included notable figures such as George Washington, Samuel Adams, John Jay, Patrick Henry, and John Adams.
_____During the First Continental Congress, there was a focus on how to be treated fairly by Great Britain. They rejected a plan set forth by Joseph Galloway of Pennsylvania which combined colonial freedom with British authority. Instead they adopted a Declaration of Rights which stated the position of the colonies in trade and taxation matters, and their rights to life, liberty, property, assembly, and trial by jury. The Continental Association was also established. This was a boycott on trade with England until Parliament decided to revoke or alter their trade laws concerning the colonies. Agreeing to meet again the following May if conditions didn't improve, the delegates dissembled.
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_____When the Continental Congress met for a second time in May of 1775, fighting between the British and Americans had already begun in Massachusetts. New faces at the meeting included Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock (who became the second president of the Continental Congress), and Thomas Jefferson. The Second Continental Congress took on the responsibilities of a government. They united the colonies to direct them in the war effort, took over the new American army, created a navy, organized a postal service, and issued money. George Washington was made commander-in-chief of the army. Congress made a final attempt to straighten matters without going to war, but Great Britain refused to change its mind.
_____When war finally broke out between the colonies and England, the Continental Congress encouraged the colonies to set themselves up as states. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 colonies- now 13 united states- declared themselves free of British rule. The Articles of Confederation, which we follow today, were also drawn up to serve as an outline for a permanent union of states.
_____The Second Continental Congress continued to work until March 1, 1781 when it was replaced by a Congress authorized by the Articles. However, this Congress of the Confederation that we have today is still referred to as the Continental Congress by many people. The Continental Congress served as a response and answer to the general Anti-British feelings that arose in the colonies. Due to the great leadership of those who headed the Congress and the willingness to sacrifice anything for their beliefs, a great union of states exists today.
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