Congress Creates the Continental Army
This Grade 5 history skill in IMPACT California Social Studies explains how the Second Continental Congress in May 1775 created the Continental Army and chose George Washington as its commander-in-chief to fight against the British. Students learn that after the battles at Lexington and Concord, colonial leaders met in Philadelphia, recognized the need for a unified military force, and formed one army to represent all the colonies. Selecting Washington, a respected Virginia leader and French and Indian War veteran, gave the new army experienced, steady leadership for the difficult conflict ahead.
Key Concepts
After the battles at Lexington and Concord, colonial leaders met in Philadelphia in May 1775. This important meeting was the Second Continental Congress . The leaders agreed that the colonies needed to work together against the British.
The Congress created one unified army, called the Continental Army , to fight for all the colonies. They chose a respected Virginian, George Washington , to be its commander in chief. This decision prepared the colonies for a long and difficult war.
Common Questions
What was the Second Continental Congress?
The Second Continental Congress was a gathering of delegates from all thirteen colonies that began meeting in Philadelphia in May 1775, just weeks after the battles at Lexington and Concord. It served as the de facto government of the colonies during the Revolution, managing the war effort and eventually issuing the Declaration of Independence.
Why did the colonies create the Continental Army?
Before the Continental Army, the colonies had only separate local militias. After the fighting at Lexington and Concord, leaders realized the colonies needed a unified, professional military force to effectively fight the British army. The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army in June 1775 to unite colonial military efforts.
Why was George Washington chosen to command the Continental Army?
Washington was chosen because he had military experience from the French and Indian War, was known for his integrity and steady temperament, came from the influential Virginia colony, and commanded respect from delegates across all thirteen colonies. His selection helped unify support for the war effort.
What challenges did the Continental Army face when it was first formed?
The newly formed Continental Army lacked experienced soldiers, training, weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and consistent funding. Soldiers came from different colonies with different military traditions. Washington spent much of the early war trying to mold these diverse volunteers into a disciplined fighting force.
What decisions did the Second Continental Congress make besides creating the army?
The Congress also issued paper currency to finance the war, negotiated with foreign governments for support, organized a postal system, managed relations with Native American nations, and eventually drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
Why is the creation of the Continental Army significant?
Creating the Continental Army transformed the conflict from local colonial resistance into an organized independence movement. Having one unified army under a single commander meant the thirteen colonies were acting as one nation in a military sense even before they formally declared independence.