3.3 The Second Continental Congress and the Continental Army

The Second Continental Congress took on the role of a national government in 1775, forming the Continental Army and establishing key institutions. It justified armed resistance while attempting reconciliation with Britain, ultimately moving towards independence as peaceful resolution became impossible.

The Continental Army, led by George Washington, faced numerous challenges but evolved into an effective fighting force. Washington's strategic leadership and ability to maintain morale were crucial in holding the army together and ultimately achieving victory against the British.

Second Continental Congress Decisions

Establishment of National Government Functions

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• The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in May 1775 in response to the outbreak of armed conflict between the colonies and Britain (Lexington and Concord)
• The Congress took on the role of a national government, establishing key institutions and functions:
  • Formed an army (Continental Army) to fight against the British
  • Created a currency to facilitate economic transactions
  • Set up a post office for communication
  • Conducted foreign relations on behalf of the colonies
• These actions demonstrated the Congress' assumption of governance responsibilities in the absence of British authority

Justification of Armed Resistance and Attempts at Reconciliation

• In June 1775, the Congress issued the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms"
  • Justified armed resistance to Britain as a response to British aggression
  • Asserted continued loyalty to King George III, emphasizing the conflict was with Parliament, not the Crown
• The Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III in July 1775 as a final attempt at reconciliation
  • Expressed desire for peaceful resolution and reaffirmed loyalty to the King
  • The petition was rejected by the King, who viewed the colonists as rebels
• In response to the King's Proclamation of Rebellion in August 1775, the Congress began to move towards independence
  • Advised colonies to form their own governments in place of British rule
  • Reflected growing sentiment that reconciliation was no longer possible

Military and Economic Measures Against Britain

• The Congress authorized the invasion of Canada in an attempt to add a fourteenth colony and deprive the British of a base for attack
  • The invasion ultimately failed, but demonstrated the Congress' willingness to take offensive action
• In March 1776, the Congress authorized privateers to attack British shipping
  • Privateering allowed private ship owners to seize British merchant vessels with the sanction of the Congress
  • Served as a form of economic warfare, disrupting British trade and supply lines
• These military and economic measures signaled the Congress' determination to actively resist British authority and pressure Britain through multiple means

Formation of the Continental Army

Establishment and Composition of the Continental Army

• In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army as a unified military force to fight against the British
• The Congress appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
  • Washington's leadership was seen as crucial to uniting the colonies in the war effort
• The Continental Army was initially made up of the colonial militias that had fought at Lexington and Concord and in the Siege of Boston
  • These militias were organized under the overall command of the Continental Army
• Washington organized the Continental Army with regiments from different colonies integrated together
  • This structure helped to foster a sense of national identity among the soldiers
  • Encouraged soldiers to see themselves as fighting for a common American cause rather than just their individual colonies

Challenges and Evolution of the Continental Army

• The Continental Army suffered from shortages of essential supplies throughout the war
  • Lacked sufficient weapons, ammunition, clothing, and food
  • These shortages were due to the financial difficulties faced by the Congress in funding the war effort
• The training and discipline of the Continental Army was initially poor compared to the professional British Army
  • Many soldiers were inexperienced and not used to the rigors of military life
  • Foreign military advisors, such as the Prussian Baron von Steuben, were brought in to help improve the army's performance
  • Training and discipline improved over time, making the Continental Army a more effective fighting force
• The Continental Army was supplemented by state militias and foreign volunteers
  • Militias provided additional manpower and support in specific campaigns and battles
  • Foreign volunteers, such as the Marquis de Lafayette from France and Tadeusz Kościuszko from Poland, brought valuable skills and experience
  • However, the core of the army remained the Continental regiments established and funded by the Congress

George Washington's Leadership

Strategic Leadership and Morale

• George Washington's leadership was crucial in holding the Continental Army together despite numerous defeats and hardships in the early years of the war
  • He maintained the unity and resolve of the army through difficult times, such as the winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-78
• Washington's strategy focused on preserving the army and winning a war of attrition against the British
  • Avoided large-scale battles that risked the destruction of the army
  • Favored smaller engagements and strategic retreats to keep the army intact
  • This approach ultimately wore down British resources and will to continue the war
• Washington's victories at Trenton and Princeton in late 1776 and early 1777 restored morale and confidence in the American cause
  • These victories came after a string of defeats and demonstrated Washington's ability to adapt and seize opportunities
  • Bolstered the spirits of both the army and the general public, who had been disheartened by earlier setbacks

Decisive Victories and Political Challenges

• Washington's leadership at the Battles of Saratoga in 1777 resulted in a crucial victory that convinced France to enter the war on the American side
  • The defeat of a major British army at Saratoga was a turning point in the war
  • French military and financial support greatly improved the prospects for American success
• Washington faced political challenges to his leadership, but his character and judgment allowed him to navigate these successfully
  • The Conway Cabal, an effort by some members of Congress to replace Washington with General Horatio Gates, was thwarted by Washington's supporters
  • The Newburgh Conspiracy, a threatened mutiny by Continental Army officers over lack of pay, was defused by Washington's personal appeal to their loyalty
• Washington's devotion to the American cause and his ability to rise above political divisions were instrumental in sustaining the army and achieving ultimate victory
  • His leadership held the army and the revolutionary cause together through numerous challenges and setbacks
  • His character and judgment inspired trust and loyalty among his soldiers and the American people