The Second Continental Congress

This congress took place in Pennsylvania and 13 colonies except Georgia were part of this congress. The chief accomplishment of the Second Continental Congress, which convened on May 10, 1775. Was the drafting of the declaration of independence. The Second Continental Congress took place in the wake of the Seven Years’ War between Great Britain and France, which left Britain deep in debt. To pay off this debt, the British Parliament passed legislation that increased tax revenues from the American colonies, including the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Revenue Act of 1767. Many colonists, though, and the purpose of both the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress was to oppose them. The colonists argued that because the colonies were not represented in Parliament, that body had no authority to tax them, a view expressed in the still well-known phrase “no taxation without representation.”

This congress had 4 interesting things. First one, this congress assumed the whole responsibility of the war. Second one, they set up a continental army to defend them in any important case. Third one, George Washington who had a experience in the french-indian war being a soldier was put in charge of this continental army. And the fourth one, they sent a peace petition to King George III which he rejected. This petition is also known as the "Olive Branch Petition."

A important character which helped the second continental congress was, John Hancock. John Hancock which was the president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, was elected to be the president of this Second Continental Congress when Peyton Randolph left this place. He became the president because Henry Middleton which was their first option declined so John was the chosen one. Hancock is also known for his large signature in the Declaration of Independence. And for being the first member of the congress to sign this document.