Chap 7

When did the Second Continental Congress first convene?

The Second Continental Congress first convened on May 10, 1775.

Who presided over the Second Continental Congress?

John Hancock presided over the Second Continental Congress.

Which notable delegates were present at the Second Continental Congress?

Notable delegates included Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Samuel Adams.

Who was absent from the Second Continental Congress?

Joseph Galloway was absent from the Second Continental Congress.

Did all colonies send delegates to the Second Continental Congress?

Yes, all colonies sent delegates; Georgia’s delegation arrived in the fall.

Which faction became more influential at the Second Continental Congress?

Radical members like John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Richard Henry Lee became more influential.

Which faction lost influence during the Second Continental Congress?

The conservative faction represented by John Dickinson lost influence.

What were many delegates hoping to achieve at the Second Continental Congress?

Many delegates initially hoped to heal the rupture with Britain.

Did the Second Continental Congress have legal authority to govern?

No, the Congress lacked legal authority to govern.

What significant military action did Congress take on June 15?

On June 15, Congress took charge of the army near Boston.

Who was selected as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?

George Washington was selected as commander-in-chief on June 23.

What reasoning did Congress use for joining the war?

Congress sought a philosophical reason for joining the war.

What document did Congress adopt on July 6, 1775?

The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms.

Who proposed reconciliation to the colonies in May 1775?

Lord North proposed reconciliation where colonies would pay fair expenses without excessive taxes.

What did Congress resolve on July 30 regarding taxes?

Congress resolved that colonies have the exclusive right to tax themselves.

What financial issue did Congress face during the war?

Continental currency depreciated sharply in value, causing inflation.

What resolution did Richard Henry Lee promote in June 1776?

Lee's resolution promoted independence from Britain.

What year was the Articles of Confederation proposed?

The Articles of Confederation were proposed in July 1776.

Who led American troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

Colonel William Prescott led American troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

What was significant about the British assault on Breed’s Hill?

The British faced heavy casualties, with about 1,054 British casualties compared to about 300 colonial casualties.

What was the main contribution of Marquis de Lafayette?

Marquis de Lafayette was able to secure money for the colonies during the war.

What did Baron von Steuben do for the Continental Army?

Baron von Steuben trained colonial soldiers, transforming minutemen into a trained fighting force.

What was Casimir Pulaski known as?

Casimir Pulaski is considered to be the father of modern-day cavalry.

What were the strengths of Great Britain during the war?

Great Britain's strengths included population, monetary wealth, naval forces, and a professional army.

What weaknesses did Great Britain face?

Great Britain's weaknesses included unrest in Ireland and a poorly led government.

What strategy did America adopt to avoid confrontation?

America aimed to avoid large-scale confrontation and remained defensive.

What was a major outcome of the Battle of Saratoga?

The Battle of Saratoga convinced the French that Americans could win the war.

What document conveyed the American colonies' goals for independence?

The document is 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine.

What was the key outcome of the Treaty of Paris in 1783?

The Treaty of Paris secured the independence of the U.S. and defined its new boundaries.

In what ways did the Continental Congress lack power?

The Continental Congress could not pass binding legislation and could only request resources from states.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill in terms of casualties?

Although the British took control of the hill, they suffered significant losses, marking a moral victory for the colonies.

Who was the British general at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

General William Howe commanded the British army at Bunker Hill.

What was the impact of the winter at Valley Forge?

The winter at Valley Forge involved harsh conditions, leading to the addition of key officers like Von Steuben.

What role did Silas Deane play in the American Revolution?

Silas Deane was sent to France in 1776 to secure supplies, arms, and military officers.

What was the main goal of the Second Continental Congress regarding Britain's treatment?

The goal was to address grievances and seek a resolution to restore American rights.

What was the relationship between the Second Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation?

The Second Continental Congress debated and proposed the Articles of Confederation, which were adopted later.