CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

First Steps Toward Independence

The First and Second Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia, PA, for basically the same reasons - many colonists felt they were not being treated well by the King. Many people today learn that the colonists were upset about paying taxes. This is not actually true. They were upset because they had no voice, or representation, in the taxes that were imposed on them. They did not say, "No taxation!" They said, "No taxation without representation!"

A continental congress had been proposed before, but after the British passed the Intolerable Acts (laws made mostly to punish Boston for the destruction of tea), there was wide support for the idea. On September 4 of 1774, delegates from each colony except Georgia met in Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There was no particular plan of action among the delegates. Most came only to discuss the problems, but there were some who wanted to take a strong stand against British control while others hoped to reach some agreement with Britain.

The Intolerable Acts had changed the debate from one about taxation to one about political rights. Many members became convinced that Parliament had gone too far, and therefore, the Congress approved a series of declarations: Parliamentary Acts of 1774 need not be obeyed; preparations should begin in case of a British attack in Boston; British officials could be imprisoned in retaliation for patriot leaders being jailed; and taxation should be at the local level, with Parliament regulating external commerce. They also passed agreements to not import or consume British goods, and called for a second congress in May of 1775 if things had not improved.

The First Continental Congress sounds much more radical than it was. Many conservative proposals were discussed, and some very nearly passed. However it was felt that the colonies must appear united, so these items were discarded once they were defeated. British General Gage seemed to seal the fate when his troops marched on Lexington, Massachusetts, to seize arms that the colonials had stockpiled. This resulted in armed conflict, and led to more in Concord, Breed's Hill (Bunker Hill), Canada, and Ft. Ticonderoga. It seemed the war had started.

But it was not too late. The Second Continental Congress formed in Philadelphia on May 10,1775, this time with Georgia present. They met in the Pennsylvania State House, soon to be known as Independence Hall. They appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to prepare for war, but they also sent a petition to King George III in an effort to try to settle the problems before all-out war began. The King, however, ignored the effort and issued his Proclamation of Rebellion, stating that the colonies were at war with Britain.

Even that did not settle things. The Congress continued, through the next year, to appeal to the King to change his policies and work with "His Subjects" to bring about peace. Most colonials, including those in the Congress, still feared an all-out war and also feared what might happen if they were freed from British rule. Also, many still had a great feeling of loyalty and belonging to Britain that was hard to ignore.

But with the British military increasing its activity, feelings were growing for a complete break with Britain. Virginia instructed its delegate, Richard Henry Lee, to introduce a resolution for independence from Britain, which he did on June 7, 1776, stating that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states". A committee was appointed to write a declaration to explain to the world why such a large as independence was necessary. After much debate, the delegates voted for complete independence on July 2, 1776, a 12 to 0 vote with New York not voting. This important date has been overshadowed, and we celebrate July 4 as Independence Day instead. July 4 is when the wording of Thomas Jefferson's document (the Declaration of Independence)met with final approval.

The Continental Congress continued to be the ruling body conducting the war until the Articles of Confederation were finally approved on March 1, 1781.