David McCoy - George Washington - History in an Hour

After two months, the Congress demanded that Parliament agree to a full repeal all of the Intolerable Acts. They also resolved that, henceforth, only colonies had the right to tax and govern; that colonies should form and begin training militias; and in solidarity with Virginia, they called for a colonies-wide boycott of all British goods. The members also agreed to convene again in May 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, if its demands were not met. Significantly, this Congress of the colonies proved that they could deliberate and act collectively, and became the de facto government in America.

Having enjoyed life on his Mount Vernon plantation for seventeen years, Washington was now dispirited, remaining unconvinced by the idea of independence. Upon his return to Virginia, Washington found that his Fairfax County neighbours had already formed a militia and elected him as their commander. By that winter, five Virginia counties had organized militias, also selecting Washington as their senior officer. In the interim between the First and Second Continental Congresses, Washington split his time between drilling militia companies, and the renovation and expansion of Mount Vernon.

Washington taking command of the Continental army

What hope Washington had for reconciliation with Parliament and King George III was shattered when British regulars used force in their attempt to confiscate a Massachusetts militia’s stash of weapons and gunpowder at Lexington and Concord on 19 April 1775 – just weeks before the planned gathering of the Second Continental Congress.

Consequently, when the Second Continental Congress convened, delegates found themselves in a delicate position. The citizens of the American colonies were divided: one third, Patriots, favoured independence from the increasing aggression of King George; another third, Loyalists, were still loyal to Britain and the King; the remaining third had no agenda. After much debate, Congress agreed to a compromise. To please Loyalists, a petition was sent to King George III declaring American loyalty and making an appeal to settle disputes peacefully. To please Patriots, authority was granted for the creation of a Continental army whereby all colonial militias would be under the control of Congress.

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