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The '''Continental Congress''' refers to two separate organizations that played a major role in leading the [[Thirteen Colonies]] into the [[American Revolution]].  The First set the stage in 1774. The Second became the national government of the United Colonies, which in July 1776 became the United States of America.  Both congresses met in Philadelphia and were composed of delegates selected by the 13 colonies/states. The Second Continental Congress in March 1781 took a new name, "The United States in Congress Assembled", when it came under the jurisdiction of the [[Articles of Confederation]].  The Congress was a weak national government—there was no president or executive branch, and no judges; most business was handled by committees.

The '''Continental Congress''' refers to two separate organizations that played a major role in leading the [[Thirteen Colonies]] into the [[American Revolution]].  The First set the stage in 1774. The Second became the national government of the United Colonies, which in July 1776 became the United States of America.  Both congresses met in Philadelphia and were composed of delegates selected by the 13 colonies/states. The Second Continental Congress in March 1781 took a new name, "The United States in Congress Assembled", when it came under the jurisdiction of the [[Articles of Confederation]].  The Congress was a weak national government—there was no president or executive branch, and no judges; most business was handled by committees.

[[File:2-congress.jpg|thumb|280px]]

[[File:2-congress.jpg|thumb|280px]]

==Background==

==Background==

The idea of a central government for the 13 main British colonies in America dates to the [[Albany Congress]] of 1754. Led by [[Benjamin Franklin]] there were discussions about unity for more effective defense against the French and Indians. The Albany Congress drafted a plan that proposed a central government with the power to raise troops and levy taxes for colonial defense, to dispose of western lands and create new colonies, and to regulate Indian affairs. Colonial legislatures rejected the plan and Great Britain ignored it.

The idea of a central government for the 13 main British colonies in America dates to the [[Albany Congress]] of 1754. Led by [[Benjamin Franklin]] there were discussions about unity for more effective defense against the French and Indians. The Albany Congress drafted a plan that proposed a central government with the power to raise troops and levy taxes for colonial defense, to dispose of western lands and create new colonies, and to regulate Indian affairs. Colonial legislatures rejected the plan and Great Britain ignored it.

[[File:Dollar1776.jpg|thumb|1776 Continental currency|190px]]

[[File:Dollar1776.jpg|thumb|1776 Continental currency|190px]]

During the war Congress printed paper money called "[[Continentals]]" that soon became worthless—indeed, any worthless thing was said to be "not worth a continental."  

During the war Congress printed paper money called "[[Continentals]]".  Due to economic warfare conducted by the British, Continentals soon became worthless—indeed, any worthless thing was said to be "not worth a continental."  

By the end of the war the national government had foreign debts of $8 million (mostly to French and Dutch bankers), and debts to Americans amounting to $42 million.  Annual interest payments were $2.5 million. The Congress had no taxing powers, and the states were reluctant to give it money.  It borrowed more from Europe. The best solution was to sell land.

By the end of the war the national government had foreign debts of $8 million (mostly to French and Dutch bankers), and debts to Americans amounting to $42 million.  Annual interest payments were $2.5 million. The Congress had no taxing powers, and the states were reluctant to give it money.  It borrowed more from Europe. The best solution was to sell land.

| || [[Richard Henry Lee]] || [[John Hancock]] || [[Nathaniel Gorham]] || [[Arthur St. Clair]] || Cyrus Griffin

| || [[Richard Henry Lee]] || [[John Hancock]] || [[Nathaniel Gorham]] || [[Arthur St. Clair]] || Cyrus Griffin

|}

|}

==Further reading==

==Further reading==