The Second Continental Congress

The Revolution was starting now, and the colonies had to find a way to get together. In 1775, delegates from all the colonies, assembled in Philadelphia, and the Congress was bravely assuming the responsability for the war. The New Continental Army was created during this Continental Congress, and the command was given to George Washington, who was a colonial officer during the French and Indian War. In those times, Virginia was considered the most powerful colony, so having someone from Virginia in the Congress, would clearly help a lot. Fortunetely, George Washington was born in Virginia. Some members of the Continental Congress wanted to declare independence from Britan, but they believed that not all the colonists were ready for this. On July 1775, after 3 months of war, the Congress sent an "Olive Branch Petition", which represents peace. They sent it to the king, but he rejected it and instead of accepting peace, he sent new troops to Boston.

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States of America. He served as President from April 30, 1789, until March 4, 1797 (two terms). His Vice-President was John Adams(1735-1826), who was later voted the second President of the USA.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington's father died when George was 11 years old. He had very little formal schooling, but taught himself to be an expert woodsman, surveyor (a person who determines the boundaries and area of tracts of land), and mapmaker. Washington grew to be over 6 feet tall -- this was very rare in Colonial times.

Even though most colonists supported the Continental Congress, there was still a minority that preferred British rules. They were called Loyalists, because they remained loyal to the British. They were afraid of the colonists, and they thought of them as brutal and ilegal. One of the loyalists declared that he'd rather be eaten by a lion, then be a vernim (disgusting animal). Still, many loyalists did opose to British taxes, but no matter what, they recognized it as their governement. Many people did not agree either with the loyalists, the British, or the colonists. they were neutral, and did not have faith that the colonists would be able to defeat an empire.