Continental Congress and the Path to Independence

In May 1775, delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. Notable figures like John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin were present. Franklin, recently returned from England, was a strong advocate for independence, despite it being an unpopular stance. He even drafted his own Declaration of Independence. Following the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Congress sent a petition to King George III, which was rejected, leading to preparations for war. The Continental Army was formed, with George Washington appointed as commander-in-chief.

When did the Second Continental Congress convene?

• April 10th, 1775

• July 10th, 1775

• May 10th, 1775

• June 10th, 1775

Who was elected as the President of the Second Continental Congress?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Hancock

Which colony did not initially send delegates to the Second Continental Congress?

• Virginia

• Pennsylvania

• Georgia

• South Carolina

Which delegate was the only one to publicly support independence at the Congress?

• John Adams

• Patrick Henry

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

What did Benjamin Franklin do after declaring his support for independence?

• He returned to England

• He wrote his own Declaration of Independence

• He left the Congress

• He joined the British Parliament

What was the general sentiment of the Congress regarding a war with England?

• They were confident of victory

• They had already declared war

• They were eager to fight

• They were unsure of their chances

What event prompted the Continental Congress to send a petition to King George III?

• The Battle of Concord

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Battle of Lexington

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

What was King George III's response to the petition from the Continental Congress?

• He sent reinforcements to America

• He rejected it, stating conflict was inevitable

• He ignored the petition

• He agreed to negotiate

What was the Congress's response to the rejection of their petition by King George III?

• They sent another petition

• They prepared for war

• They declared independence immediately

• They disbanded the Congress

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

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin