Final answer:
The First Continental Congress met in 1774 to address the Intolerable Acts, forming a list of grievances. Before the Second Continental Congress could meet, conflict began at Lexington and Concord. The Second Continental Congress led to the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First Continental Congress
In September of 1774, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia with delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies coming together to address the Intolerable Acts. This assembly included notable figures such as Samuel Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and George Washington. Their main actions were the drafting of a list of grievances and the statement of rights for the colonists. The Congress demonstrated a united front and agreed to reconvene in one year to consider any response from the Crown.
The Second Continental Congress
Before the agreed-upon meeting, the Revolutionary War began with conflicts at Lexington and Concord. The Second Continental Congress gathered in May 1775 to initially seek reconciliation with Britain, but swiftly transitioned towards the path of independence. This Congress became actively involved in leading the war effort and ultimately drafted the Declaration of Independence, which was released on July 4, 1776, marking the determination of the colonies to become independent from Great Britain.