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How Did the Continental Congress Respond to British Policies and Acts?

The Continental Congress had a tough job in dealing with British rules that irritated the colonies.

First Continental Congress (1774)
The First Continental Congress met in October 1774 to respond to harsh British actions, especially the Coercive Acts. One big problem was that the colonies couldn't agree on what to do. The delegates had different interests and thoughts, which caused divisions. For example:

  • Different Priorities: Southern colonies wanted to keep slavery safe, while northern colonies focused on fighting against taxes.
  • Worries About Consequences: Many delegates were scared that if they challenged Britain too much, it would lead to serious punishments, like military action.

Even with these challenges, the Congress wrote the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. This document showed what the colonies wanted, but it didn’t create a strong united front against British rule.

Second Continental Congress (1775)
As things heated up, the Second Continental Congress came together in May 1775, especially after violence broke out, like in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. They faced several difficulties, particularly in getting resources and organizing the military:

  • Money Issues: The Congress had a hard time finding money for the Continental Army. They had to rely on loans and support from other countries, which were hard to get.
  • Mixed Feelings About Independence: Some members, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, pushed for independence, but others were still loyal to Britain and worried about what would happen next.

To tackle these issues, the Congress took several actions:

  1. Creating the Continental Army: They chose George Washington as the leader because they realized strong military leadership was important.
  2. Looking for Help: The Congress reached out to other countries for support to gain military and financial aid.
  3. Finding Common Goals: They tried to agree on what they wanted, shifting their focus from just complaining about British actions to calling for independence, which could unite the colonies.

In conclusion, the Continental Congress faced many challenges, from differing opinions to money problems. They slowly changed their strategies. By promoting unity, meeting military needs, and seeking help from other nations, they paved the way for a stronger stand against British rule. Their journey to independence was difficult, and their successes are especially impressive.

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How Did the Continental Congress Respond to British Policies and Acts?

The Continental Congress had a tough job in dealing with British rules that irritated the colonies.

First Continental Congress (1774)
The First Continental Congress met in October 1774 to respond to harsh British actions, especially the Coercive Acts. One big problem was that the colonies couldn't agree on what to do. The delegates had different interests and thoughts, which caused divisions. For example:

  • Different Priorities: Southern colonies wanted to keep slavery safe, while northern colonies focused on fighting against taxes.
  • Worries About Consequences: Many delegates were scared that if they challenged Britain too much, it would lead to serious punishments, like military action.

Even with these challenges, the Congress wrote the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. This document showed what the colonies wanted, but it didn’t create a strong united front against British rule.

Second Continental Congress (1775)
As things heated up, the Second Continental Congress came together in May 1775, especially after violence broke out, like in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. They faced several difficulties, particularly in getting resources and organizing the military:

  • Money Issues: The Congress had a hard time finding money for the Continental Army. They had to rely on loans and support from other countries, which were hard to get.
  • Mixed Feelings About Independence: Some members, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, pushed for independence, but others were still loyal to Britain and worried about what would happen next.

To tackle these issues, the Congress took several actions:

  1. Creating the Continental Army: They chose George Washington as the leader because they realized strong military leadership was important.
  2. Looking for Help: The Congress reached out to other countries for support to gain military and financial aid.
  3. Finding Common Goals: They tried to agree on what they wanted, shifting their focus from just complaining about British actions to calling for independence, which could unite the colonies.

In conclusion, the Continental Congress faced many challenges, from differing opinions to money problems. They slowly changed their strategies. By promoting unity, meeting military needs, and seeking help from other nations, they paved the way for a stronger stand against British rule. Their journey to independence was difficult, and their successes are especially impressive.

Related articles