Explain how the decisions and actions of both the Continental Congresses represent the delegates' difference in opinion regarding independence from Great Britain.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key Points

The Second Continental Congress was composed of many of the same delegates as the First Continental Congress, including the Founding Fathers.

The Second Congress managed the colonial war effort, financing the war with borrowed funds and without the support of taxes; states were asked to contribute men, supplies, and funds.

With the guidance of Congress, the Patriots moved incrementally towards independence, adopting the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Congress lacked the power to levy taxes and struggled to finance the Revolutionary War.
With the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, the Congress became known as the Congress of the Confederation.

In June 1775, Congress created the Continental Army and gave command of the Army to George Washington.

In 1775, the colonies proposed the Olive Branch Petition to reconcile with Britain and avert war, but King George III denied the petition.