Preparations for War- The Role of the Continental Congress in readying for the Revolutionary Struggle

What does the Continental Congress do to prepare for war? The Continental Congress, a governing body of the Thirteen Colonies, played a crucial role in preparing for the American Revolutionary War. This article delves into the various measures taken by the Continental Congress to ensure the colonies were ready to fight for their independence from British rule.

The first step taken by the Continental Congress in preparing for war was the establishment of a Continental Army. In June 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of an army to defend the colonies against British troops. George Washington was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, a position he would hold until the end of the war in 1783.

Arming and Training the Troops

To equip and train the troops, the Continental Congress allocated funds for the purchase of weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. They also sought to recruit soldiers from the colonies, and Congress passed measures to encourage enlistment, such as offering land grants to those who served. Additionally, the Congress established a Board of War to oversee the procurement and distribution of supplies.

Securing Foreign Aid

Realizing that the colonies would need support from foreign powers to win the war, the Continental Congress worked tirelessly to secure alliances. They sent numerous delegations to France, Spain, and the Netherlands, seeking military and financial assistance. In 1778, France formally entered the war as an ally of the colonies, providing crucial military and naval support.

Establishing a Navy

The Continental Congress also recognized the importance of a navy in their fight against the British. In October 1775, the Continental Navy was established, with John Paul Jones as its first commander. The navy played a significant role in disrupting British trade and protecting American shipping interests.

Passing the Olive Branch Petition

Before resorting to war, the Continental Congress attempted to negotiate with the British government. In July 1775, they passed the Olive Branch Petition, a document requesting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the British government ignored the petition, leading the colonies to declare independence in July 1776.

Financial Measures

The Continental Congress implemented various financial measures to fund the war effort. They imposed taxes on the colonies, such as the Stamp Act and the Quartering Act, to raise revenue. Additionally, Congress authorized the issuance of paper money, known as Continental currency, to finance the war.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

To ensure a coordinated effort in the war, the Continental Congress established a legal framework for the colonies. They passed the Articles of Confederation, which outlined the powers and responsibilities of the national government. While the Articles of Confederation would later prove to be inadequate, they provided a foundation for the later creation of the United States Constitution.

In conclusion, the Continental Congress took numerous measures to prepare for war, from establishing the Continental Army and navy to securing foreign aid and implementing financial measures. Their efforts were instrumental in the eventual success of the American Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States of America.