Second Congress Meets: Colonies Unite Against Britain
The Second Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775, three weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord. All thirteen colonies sent delegates. The Congress functioned as the de facto national government for the next six years, though it had no legal authority to tax and relied on voluntary contributions from the states. Within its first year, Congress appointed George Washington commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, authorized the creation of a navy and marine corps, printed continental currency, established a postal system, and on July 4, 1776, adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Congress also drafted the Articles of Confederation, which were not ratified until 1781. Many delegates served simultaneously in their state governments.
May 10, 1775
251 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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