The Continental Congresses played a key role in helping America become independent and creating a national government. Here’s how they did that:

Formation:

• The First Continental Congress met in 1774 because of the Intolerable Acts. Delegates from 12 colonies came together to talk about their problems with Britain. They wanted to take action as one.
• The Second Continental Congress started meeting in 1775, right after the Revolutionary War began. This Congress was important because it changed how the colonies were governed, moving toward a more organized national government.

Goals:

• Both Congresses wanted to bring the colonies together and figure out how to resist British control. The First Congress mostly focused on talking with Britain and sending petitions, while the Second Congress took on bigger responsibilities, like overseeing the war.

Decisions:

• They created the Continental Army with George Washington as its leader. This showed they were serious about having a united military.
• In 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document officially declared that the colonies were breaking away from Britain and stressed the need for them to govern themselves.

In summary, these Congresses helped set the stage for a national government. They encouraged cooperation among the states and highlighted the need to organize better as the quest for independence continued.