Curated OER
The Second Continental Congress
In this U.S. government worksheet, students respond to 1 essay and 5 short answer questions about the Second Continental Congress.
Curated OER
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Sixth graders explore the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. In this history lesson, 6th graders consider the problems created when each colony had independent currencies. Students problem solve other related weaknesses.
Massachusetts Historical Society
Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Second Continental Congress
Describes events that led to the formation of the Second Continental Congress and ultimately American independence. Includes supporting original documents and great teacher resources.
Massachusetts Historical Society
Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Declarations of Independence
Features the history behind the document that "shaped the course of American history" and gave Americans their independence. Includes many supporting original documents and teacher resources.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Causes/necessity of Arms
The complete text of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, ratified July 6,1775.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: Journals of the Continental Congress
A comprehensive list of links to the original text of the official journals of the proceedings of the First and Second Continental Congresses.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Continental Army and the Congress
A detailed description of the events in and around the formation and support of The Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.
PBS
Pbs Online/the American Revolution
Information packed game that takes you on a journey through the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, the Revolutionary War itself, and beyond to the Bill of Rights. Hyperlinks to other articles in this great site.
Yale University
Journals of the Continental Congress 1774 1789
Selected documents written by the Continental Congress in the late eighteenth century. Covers actions passed and resolved on preparation for war with Britain, George Washington's appointment as Commander-in-Chief, Articles of War against...
University of Oklahoma
Chronology of Us Documents: Declaration of the Causes, Taking Up Arms (1775)
The complete text of the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms" written by Thomas Jefferson and Colonel John Dickinson and approved by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775 to communicate and explain their...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Slavery: A Crisis in the Making [Pdf]
This lesson plan looks at the issue of slavery and the role it played in the American Revolution and the founding of the new Republic. Includes background information for the teacher. Students participate in performing a reader's theater...
Library of Congress
Loc: Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774 1789
Link directly to hypertext versions of the minutes recorded at the First and Second Continental Congresses. Included are the words of the various factions within the Congresses and the final resolutions that were passed, and then sent to...
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Independence [Pdf]
Follow the steps that Americans took before declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence set out the ideals and reasons behind this stunning move. Use the student exercises to understand the different levels...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Revolution Begins
General Thomas Gage, an amiable English gentleman with an American-born wife, commanded the garrison at Boston, where political activity had almost wholly replaced trade. Gage's main duty in the colonies had been to enforce the Coercive...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Revolution Begins
Overview of the final events leading to military skirmishes between British soldiers and American militia leading to Second Continental Congress official declaration of war.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Robin Chew
Samuel Adams: American Patriot & Politician
Read a brief overview of the life of Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Links to other resources about Adams are included.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Lee Resolution (1776)
The Our Documents group offers information on Richard Henry Lee's 1776 resolution proposing colonial independence. See the original document, read the transcript, and download a printer-friendly version.
Other
Object of History: Jefferson Desk (Desk on Which the Declaration Was Drafted)
Provides information on the desk that Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence.
Other
Colonial Hall: Richard Henry Lee
This site provides a detailed biography of Richard Henry Lee, including his role in the Virginia House of Burgesses, second Continental Congress, and American independence.
PublicBookshelf Corporation
What Is the Second Continental Congress?
A detailed description of the events and issues at the Second Continental Congress in 1775 in Philadelphia. Excerpt is from "Our Country" published in 1877.
University of North Carolina
American Self Government: The First & Second Continental Congress [Pdf]
Looks at the significant events and decisions of the First and Second Continental Congresses that piloted the movement towards self-government.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was the die cast into the river of Revolution. Read about the decisions made and the actions taken in preparation for declaring independence.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: E Pluribus Unum
The fact that the Second Continental Congress convened was evidence that the colonists had had enough from the British Parliament. Read about the ways the colonies finally began to work together and focus on a common plan, resulting in...