The Continental Congress had a tough job trying to break away from Britain. They faced many challenges because of how they were set up, their goals, and the choices they made during their meetings. Here are some of the main challenges they dealt with:

1. Divided Colonies

• Different Interests: The thirteen colonies did not act as one. Each colony had its own money interests, government types, and social structures. For example, the Southern colonies mainly farmed, while the Northern colonies had more businesses and factories.
• Loyalists: About 20-30% of the colonists were Loyalists, meaning they remained loyal to Britain. This created divisions and made it harder for everyone to join the revolutionary efforts.

2. Weak Central Authority

• No Executive Power: The Continental Congress didn’t have anyone in charge to enforce laws or make decisions stick. This made it hard for them to gather soldiers or manage resources properly.
• State Interests: The delegates acted based on what was best for their own states, which often clashed with the overall goal of independence. This lack of unity made it difficult for the Congress to stand strong against Britain.

3. Money Problems

• Funding the War: The Congress found it hard to pay for the revolution. By 1779, they owed about $27 million, a staggering amount for that time.
• Money Value Declining: To pay for the war, the Congress printed money. Unfortunately, this caused prices to go up quickly. By the end of the war, the Continental dollar was worth only about 1/40th of what it used to be.

4. Disorganized Military

• Untrained Army: The army mostly consisted of volunteers who had little to no military training. Their first leader, George Washington, faced a tough job turning these recruits into a strong fighting team. Many soldiers signed up only for a short time, leading to frequent shortages in troops.
• Supply Issues: Keeping the army fed and equipped was very hard. The Congress had limited control over supplies, and there were times when soldiers didn't have enough food or proper gear, which hurt their spirits.

5. Diplomatic Challenges

• Getting International Support: It was very important for the Congress to make allies with other countries. Their earliest efforts to gain support from European countries were met with doubt. It wasn't until 1778, with the Treaty of Alliance with France, that they got strong support.
• Balancing Relationships: The Congress had to manage relationships with different European countries, each with its own interests in the revolution. This made their diplomatic work very complicated.

6. Conflicts in Beliefs

• Views on Independence: Not everyone wanted complete independence at first. Some delegates preferred settling things with Britain. This difference in opinions caused debates and slowed down decision-making. They didn’t agree on independence until the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
• Worries About Government: After gaining independence, there were concerns about what type of government to set up. Many feared the return of a king or falling into chaos. These worries made it hard to come together and decide on a clear plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Continental Congress faced many tough challenges on their path to independence from Great Britain. These included divisions among the colonies, money problems, military disorganization, issues with diplomacy, and differences in beliefs. Overcoming these challenges took a lot of hard work, smart planning, and the eventual building of a united identity that would shape the early years of the United States.