The Continental Congress was very important in the fight for independence in the American colonies. It acted as a group that spoke for the colonies to deal with problems raised by British rule. Two key meetings of Congress helped push the movement for independence: the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress in 1775.

First Continental Congress (1774)

• Getting Together: The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in September 1774. They came together because of the Intolerable Acts, which were harsh laws Britain created to control the colonies after the Boston Tea Party.
• Who Was There: Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies attended. Georgia didn't send representatives because they faced their own issues.
• Main Choices Made:
  • Suffolk Resolves: They agreed to the Suffolk Resolves, which called for the colonies to stand up against British rule and prepare for possible military action.
  • Continental Association: They created the Continental Association, which led to a boycott of British products. This helped unite the colonies both economically and politically against British control.
• Statistics: By 1775, around 66% of imported goods in the colonies were being boycotted.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

• Getting Together Again: After fighting started at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, the Second Continental Congress gathered in May 1775, with delegates from all thirteen colonies attending.
• Big Steps Taken:
  • Creating the Continental Army: The Congress formed the Continental Army and made George Washington its leader. This was a major step in organizing resistance against British troops.
  • Declaration of Independence: On July 4, 1776, they adopted the Declaration of Independence. This was a crucial moment declaring that the colonies wanted to govern themselves.
• Statistics: By the time the colonies declared independence, the Continental Army had about 230,000 soldiers, showing how many people were committed to the cause.

Key Issues and British Actions

• Taxes Without a Say: One big problem that pushed people toward independence was the idea of being taxed without having a say in the government. The Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767 put taxes on everyday items, causing many protests and boycotts. The Stamp Act made Britain about $30,000 a year, but it also caused a lot of resistance from the colonies.
• Boston Tea Party: In 1773, American colonists protested the Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales. They dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, worth about $1 million today. This bold action increased tensions and led to new laws known as the Coercive Acts.
• Intolerable Acts: The Intolerable Acts of 1774 were punishment measures. They included closing Boston Harbor and taking away Massachusetts' charter, which brought the colonies together in resistance.

Conclusion

The Continental Congress was a key place for the colonies to unite. It helped spark public support for independence through protests, military planning, and political talks. By the time the Declaration of Independence was made, many colonists had shifted their views. Around 50% of the population supported independence instead of staying loyal to Britain. Through its smart decisions and good communication, the Continental Congress played a major role in paving the way for independence and set the stage for the future United States.