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.

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...

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...

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...

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states " Congress...

The complete text of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, ratified July 6,1775.

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.

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.

Gives analysis of the Olive Branch Petition and interactive views of each page of the document. Take a look at the original petition and learn about what it was for.