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Second Continental Congress

Definition

The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting in 1775, during the American Revolution. It eventually declared independence as the United States.

Analogy

Consider this like an emergency family meeting where everyone decides they need to move out and start living independently because they're not happy with how things are being run at home.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: The document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies were independent states and no longer part of British rule. This is like writing an official letter stating why you want independence from your parents' house rules.

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution adopted by America’s thirteen colonies which established functions for national government after declaring independence from Britain. It's akin to creating new house rules after moving out from your parents' place.

Thomas Jefferson: He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the main author of the Declaration of Independence. Think of him as the sibling who takes charge and writes down all the reasons for wanting independence.

"Second Continental Congress" appears in:

Practice Questions (2)

  • Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Second Continental Congress in the American Revolution?
  • Which document was an outcome of the Second Continental Congress?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.