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The Second Continental Congress

The Second Continental Congress. The Atmosphere at the Meeting. Some delegates were militant radicals Colonies declare independence Establish a Continental Army and name a general to lead them Ie. John Adams Others were more moderate Ie. John Dickinson wanted peaceful reconciliation

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The Second Continental Congress

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  1. The Second Continental Congress

  2. The Atmosphere at the Meeting • Some delegates were militant radicals • Colonies declare independence • Establish a Continental Army and name a general to lead them • Ie. John Adams • Others were more moderate • Ie. John Dickinson wanted peaceful reconciliation • Problem remains: militia still camped around Boston

  3. Olive Branch Petition • Colonies state loyalty to the King • Ask for His help in ending the conflict • King George III proclaims the Colonies in a state of rebellion and hires mercenaries, also blockades the American coast.

  4. Second Continental Congress (May 1775) • Called Washington to head colonial army • While not a military genius (he lost more battles than he won), he was trusted implicitly by his soldiers • He refused to be paid, though his records indicate expenses of over $100,000 • Shrewd political choice by Congress: Virginian, wealthy, aristocratic, above reproach

  5. Other Congress Measures • Began printing paper $ to pay soldiers • Organized a committee to deal with foreign nations.

  6. Second Continental Congress declared independence July 4, 1776. • Jefferson headed the committee drafting the written statement. Arguments were based on John Locke's contract theory of government: • All people have natural rights ("Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness") • When a government abuses rights, the people have a right to "alter or abolish" it • King George has acted tyrannically. Long list of wrongs done by King to colonists. • The colonies are independent. • Declaration gave a clear position for rebellious colonists, forcing others to choose rebellion or declare as Loyalists.

  7. Reactions to Independence • Public celebrations and demonstrations rang out through the colonies among the patriots • The Women’s reaction • Abigail Adams took care of her children and the business of the farm • Supported independence, championed women’s rights • “…Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to the them than your ancestors”.

  8. Loyal Subjects to the King…..Loyalists • Colonial Americans opposed to independence • Also known as Tories affiliated with the political party of Lord North • Attacks made on loyalists in the colonies

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