Final answer:
The Second Continental Congress was comprised of key leaders including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Dickinson, and John Jay who greatly influenced the path toward American independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Leaders of the Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress brought together a group of noteworthy colonial leaders who played significant roles in American history. Amongst these were John Hancock, who served as the president of the Congress, and Thomas Jefferson, renowned for his later role as the primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin, after failed attempts at reconciliation in London, also participated and supported the push for independence. In addition, other influential figures included Patrick Henry, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Dickinson, and John Jay. Georgia's presence was initially minimal with a single delegate, Lyman Hall, but the collective stance of these leaders, despite varied opinions, moved the Congress toward actions that would eventually lead to the birth of a new nation.