The Second Continental Congress: From Bunch of Dudes to Founding Fathers (Sort Of)
So you're wondering what those guys in tights and tricorne hats were up to in Philadelphia besides gossiping about Martha Washington's amazing cherry pie recipe (although, let's be real, that was probably a priority). Well, buckle up, because the Second Continental Congress was a whirlwind of activity that would change the course of, well, a continent!
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| What Was Accomplished By Members Of The Second Continental Congress In Philadelphia |
From Fife and Drum to Commander-in-Chief: The Birth of the Continental Army
Let's face it, the ragtag group of colonists weren't exactly ready to rumble with the mighty British Empire. Enter the Continental Army! The Second Continental Congress, in a move that would make your local militia proud, voted to raise an army and even appointed a commander-in-chief. Now, when hundreds of delegates are arguing about who gets to bring the cheese puffs, a decision like this can get messy. But luckily, they found a guy named George Washington who, as legend has it, couldn't tell a lie (and hopefully could tell a good battle strategy).
Fun Fact: Fun fact: Benjamin Franklin almost got the Commander-in-Chief gig, but apparently his electrical experiments didn't translate well to battlefield tactics. Shocking, right?
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
The Olive Branch (Not Pizza): A Last-Ditch Effort for Peace
Before things went full-on "shots fired at Lexington and Concord," the Congress wasn't exactly itching for a war. They sent King George III the Olive Branch Petition, basically a fancy way of saying, "Hey, listen, can't we all just get along?" Sadly, the King wasn't feeling the kumbaya vibes, and the colonists were like, "Alright, fine. Have it your way."
The Declaration of Independence: The "We're Outta Here!" Note
This is the big one, folks! On July 4, 1776, the Congress said "deuces" to Britain and formally declared their independence with the Declaration of Independence. This document, penned by the brilliant Thomas Jefferson (who probably used a quill, not a keyboard, because #oldtimey), outlined the colonists' grievances against the King and their desire to be their own nation. Basically, it was like a really, really well-written break-up letter to a bad roommate (except with muskets and tea instead of dirty dishes and loud music).
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Fun Fact: Did you know that there were actually edits made to the Declaration of Independence? Apparently, Thomas Jefferson had a thing for long-winded sentences, and the other delegates were like, "Buddy, chill with the commas."
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So, what did the Second Continental Congress REALLY do?
- Formed an army: Because freedom isn't free, it's apparently very expensive (and requires a well-trained military).
- Tried for peace (sort of): The Olive Branch Petition was a valiant effort, even if it did end up like a fruitcake no one wanted.
- Declared Independence: This one is pretty self-explanatory. They basically told King George to take a hike (across the Atlantic Ocean).
FAQ: How to Channel Your Inner Revolutionary
How to Dress Like a Founding Father: Trade your ripped jeans for knee breeches and a powdered wig. Bonus points for a tricorn hat (just don't get it confused with a pirate hat).
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How to Write a Declaration of Independence (for, Like, Your Apartment): List all the grievances you have with your roommates (e.g., leaving dirty dishes in the sink, blasting bad music).
How to Start Your Own Revolution (Figuratively, of Course): Channel your inner Patrick Henry and give a rousing speech about why things need to change. But maybe skip the whole "give me liberty or give me death" thing.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
How to Celebrate Independence Day Like a True Patriot: BBQs, fireworks, and maybe even a re-reading of the Declaration of Independence (with a nice cup of tea, because irony).
How to Avoid Getting in Trouble with the Law: While a revolution might sound exciting, it's probably best to stick to peaceful protests and, you know, following the rules.
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