I. Congress Assumes Powers: A. Committees handle military, foreign affairs, and finances. B. George Washington leads unified military command. C. Declaration of Independence adopted. II. Congress Serves as Acting Government: A. Manages legislation and war coordination. B. Secures alliances and seeks foreign support. C. Negotiates treaties, including Treaty of Paris. III. R.H. Lee Proposes Independence: A. Lee's resolution advocates for independence. B. Committee drafts Declaration led by Jefferson. C. Formal adoption signifies historic break from Britain.
The Work of the Second Continental Congress
I. Congress Assumes Powers of a Central Government
A. Formation of committees to address various responsibilities.
1. Creation of the Continental Army.
2. Oversight of foreign affairs.
3. Management of finances and resources.
B. Appointment of George Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
1. Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War.
2. Significance of a unified military command.
C. Declaration of Independence.
1. Drafting committee led by Thomas Jefferson.
2. Formal adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776.
II. The Second Continental Congress Serves as the Acting Government during the Revolution
A. Continuation of legislative functions.
1. Passage of laws and regulations.
2. Coordination of war efforts.
B. Establishment of diplomatic relations with foreign powers.
1. Alliance with France.
2. Seeking support for the American cause.
C. Negotiation and signing of treaties.
1. Treaty of Alliance with France.
2. Treaty of Paris (1783) to end the Revolutionary War.
III. R.H. Lee Introduces a Resolution to Declare the Colonies Independent of Great Britain
A. Richard Henry Lee's resolution proposing independence.
1. Lee's role in advocating for independence.
2. Presentation of the resolution to Congress.
B. Formation of a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.
1. Selection of key members, including Thomas Jefferson.
2. Collaborative efforts leading to the final document.
C. Formal adoption of the resolution for independence.
1. Congressional debate and support.
2. Symbolic and historic significance of declaring independence.