during the American Revolution
.
The Congress met from 1774 to 1789 in three incarnations. The first call for a convention was made over issues of mounting taxation without representation in Parliament
and because of the British blockade. Though at first somewhat divided on issues concerning independence and a break from Crown rule, the new Congress would come to issue a Declaration of Independence and a Constitution, and proclaim the name United States of America as the name of the new nation.
1774 First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1774 The first Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1775 American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada.
1775 American Revolutionary War: the Continental Army is established by the Continental Congress, marking the birth of the United States Army.
1775 The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies.
1776 American Revolution: the Virginia Convention instructs its Continental Congress delegation to propose a resolution of independence from Great Britain, paving the way for the United States Declaration of Independence.
1776 Richard Henry Lee presents the "Lee Resolution" to the Continental Congress. The motion is seconded by John Adams and leads to the United States Declaration of Independence.
1776 The Continental Congress appoints Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to the Committee of Five to draft a declaration of independence.
1776 The Continental Congress officially names its new union of sovereign states the United States.
1777 American Revolutionary War: Marquis de Lafayette lands near Charleston, South Carolina, in order to help the Continental Congress to train its army.