The Second Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence

Fast Facts: Independence

Declaration of Independence

• Year: 1776
• Main Author: Thomas Jefferson
• Meeting: Second Continental Congress
• Key Idea: Natural rights
• Outcome: Colonies declare independence

Independence at a Glance

• Delegates met again after fighting began.
• They formed the Continental Army.
• George Washington became commander.
• Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration.
• Congress approved independence on July 4, 1776.

Meeting Again in Philadelphia

After the battles of Lexington and Concord, colonial leaders realized the conflict with Britain was growing more serious. In May 1775, delegates from the colonies met again in Philadelphia. This meeting became known as the Second Continental Congress. The delegates needed to decide how to respond now that fighting had already begun.

Creating the Continental Army

One of the first decisions the Congress made was to create a Continental Army. Until then, each colony had its own militia. The delegates agreed that the colonies needed a single army to fight together. They chose George Washington to be the commander because of his experience and leadership.

Hoping for Peace

Even though battles had already taken place, many delegates still hoped for a peaceful solution. They sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III, asking him to stop the fighting and work with the colonies. The king refused to read the petition and declared that the colonies were in open rebellion.

A Push Toward Independence

As the conflict continued, more colonists began to believe that independence was the only answer. A pamphlet called Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, argued that the colonies should break away from Britain. His ideas spread quickly and convinced many people that independence was necessary.

Writing the Declaration

In June 1776, the Congress asked a committee to write a document explaining why the colonies wanted independence. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft. He wrote that all people have natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He also listed the ways the king had treated the colonies unfairly.

Approving Independence

After several days of discussion and editing, the Congress voted. On July 4, 1776, the delegates approved the Declaration of Independence. The colonies announced that they were free and no longer under British rule. Church bells rang, crowds cheered, and celebrations spread throughout the colonies.

A New Nation Begins

The Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of a new nation. The colonies now called themselves the United States of America. Although the war for independence would continue for several more years, the decision made in Philadelphia changed the course of history.

The Declaration of Independence Quiz

Activities & Extensions

Yankee Doodle Dandy Activities

Students explore the history of the song Yankee Doodle, originally written by the British to mock the colonists but later adopted proudly by American soldiers. These activities help students understand how music boosted morale during the Revolutionary War.

Activity Ideas:

• Play the song using combs and wax paper.
• Race to place the lyrics in the correct order using word cards and a pocket chart.
• March in formation with and without the music to compare the experience.

Soldier’s Burden Simulation

Students experience the physical demands faced by Continental soldiers. They load a backpack with items they believe are necessary for daily survival and carry a log to represent a musket.

After a short walk, students reflect on how it felt and why soldiers needed strength, endurance, and determination during the war.

Travel Time Computation

Students calculate how long it would take colonists to travel between key locations using the fastest transportation available at the time—horse‑drawn coaches or sailing ships traveling about 10 miles per hour.

Suggested Distances:

• Boston to Lexington
• Philadelphia to New York
• Charleston to Savannah

Students divide the distance by 10 to estimate travel time, helping them understand why communication and decision‑making were slow during the Revolution.