Second Continental Congress: Unit 1.1 AP GOPO Impact on American History Conclusion Key Tables

The Second Continental Congress, a pivotal event in American history, convened amidst mounting tensions between the American colonists and the British Crown. This article delves into the significance, delegates, decisions, and lasting impact of this influential gathering.

Significance of the Congress

The Second Continental Congress (SCC) emerged as a response to the escalating conflict between the American colonies and the British government. The passage of the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, by the British Parliament in 1774 sparked widespread outrage and prompted calls for colonial unity. The SCC provided a platform for delegates from the thirteen colonies to coordinate their actions and respond to British policies.

Delegates and Representation

The delegates to the SCC represented a diverse range of perspectives from across the colonies. Among the prominent attendees were George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. These individuals, along with approximately fifty other delegates, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Congress.

Major Decisions and Resolutions

One of the most significant decisions made by the SCC was the adoption of the Continental Association, a voluntary agreement among the colonies to boycott British goods. This measure aimed to pressure the British government into repealing the Coercive Acts. The Congress also created a Continental Army, led by George Washington, to defend the colonies against potential British attacks.

In addition to these actions, the SCC drafted the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, outlining the colonists’ complaints against British policies and asserting their rights as British subjects. This document laid the foundation for the later Declaration of Independence.

Lasting Impact of the Congress

The Second Continental Congress played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. It provided a forum for colonial leaders to unite, coordinate their actions, and challenge British authority. The decisions made by the SCC laid the groundwork for the eventual break from Britain and the establishment of an independent United States.

The SCC had a profound impact on American history:

• Forged Colonial Unity: The Congress brought together delegates from across the thirteen colonies, fostering a sense of common purpose and unity.
• Challenged British Authority: The Congress’s actions, such as the Continental Association and the creation of a Continental Army, directly challenged the authority of the British Crown.
• Paved the Way for Independence: The resolutions and declarations adopted by the SCC set the stage for the eventual Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.

Contribution to Democratic Ideals

The Second Continental Congress also played a significant role in shaping democratic ideals in America:

• Established Representative Government: The Congress operated as a representative body, with delegates chosen by the people of their respective colonies.
• Advocated for Colonial Rights: The SCC’s Declaration of Rights and Grievances asserted the rights of the colonists as British subjects and laid the foundation for the principles of individual liberty and self-governance.
• Inspired Revolutionary Sentiment: The Congress’s actions and rhetoric ignited revolutionary sentiment among the American colonists, leading to increased support for independence.

The Second Continental Congress was a pivotal event in the American Revolution. It brought together colonial leaders, forged colonial unity, challenged British authority, and paved the way for independence. The Congress’s decisions and resolutions had a profound impact on American history and contributed to the development of democratic ideals in the United States.

Table 1: Delegates to the Second Continental Congress

Table 2: Major Decisions of the Second Continental Congress

Table 3: Impact of the Second Continental Congress on American History

Table 4: Contribution to Democratic Ideals