AKFCS Freshmen: 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses

First Continental Congress

Meeting that took place amongst the colonies in late 1774 where 9 out of 13 colonies sent delegates.

Second Continental Congress

Meeting where the colonies decided to remain loyal and ask the king to solve issues.

Declaration of Resolves

A decision made by the First Continental Congress to express loyalty to King George III.

Olive Branch Petition

A petition sent by the Second Continental Congress to King George III asking for resolution of issues.

Continental Army

Army created by the colonies to defend against British forces.

George Washington

Placed in charge of the Continental Army.

Trade Ban with Britain

Decision made by the Second Continental Congress to ban all trade with Britain until demands are met.

Meeting in 1 year

Decision made by the Second Continental Congress to reconvene in one year if demands are not met.

King George III's Reaction

Rejected the Declaration of Resolves and the Olive Branch Petition.

Colonial Rebellion

King George III claimed the colonies were rebelling against him and sent troops to suppress it.

Hessian Mercenaries

Troops sent by King George III to the colonies to put down rebellion.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

An event that marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Southern Colonies

The four colonies that did not attend the First Continental Congress due to having fewer issues with the king.

Philadelphia

Location where both the First and Second Continental Congress meetings took place.

Colonial Options

The two main options discussed were to remain part of the British Empire or declare independence.

Support of the British Empire

Declaring independence would mean losing the support of the strongest country in the world.