Second Continental Congress

About

The Second Continental Congress united representatives from the Thirteen Colonies in Philadelphia to support the American Revolutionary War and create a new country. Originally called the United Colonies, it was renamed the United States of America in 1776 and on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed a resolution for independence, which was approved by Congress on July 2. The congress then adopted the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms resolution and the United States Declaration of Independence.

Established, May 10, 1775

The Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, which was then the federal capital. Representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies were present, with the exception of Georgia.

Approval of Resolution of Independence, July 2, 1776

Congress approved the resolution of independence

The pronouncement and founding document adopted, July 4, 1776

The Second Continental Congress adopted the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America as their pronouncement and founding document.

Congress officially adopts the name “United States of America”, Sept 9, 1776

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the name “United States of America,” replacing the previously used designation “United Colonies” and marking a symbolic step toward national identity.

Articles of Confederation, Nov 15, 1777

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union functioned as the inaugural framework of government for the United States, an agreement among the 13 states, previously known as the Thirteen Colonies.

Timeline

1775+ 1

1776

SITES

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Signing of the United States Declaration of Independence

Second Continental Congress

Governance

John Adams Proposes a Continental Army

Second Continental Congress, John Adams, George Washington

Military/Conflict

Founding of the U.S. Army

Second Continental Congress

Defence, Military/Conflict

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS

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The Declaration of Independence

DRAWINGS

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The Declaration of Independence