Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to VAMUN XXXV and the Second Continental Congress! I am really excited for this
committee and cannot wait to see what you all contribute as we mold the thirteen colonies
relationship with England in response to the growing conflict between the two parties. Prepare
for a committee full of strong debate and strategic compromising.
My name is Zachary Diamond and I am a 2nd year in the College of Arts and Sciences from Los
Angeles, California intending to major in mathematics. Naturally, I will be John Hancock and
your chair for this committee. I was not introduced to Model UN until coming to the University
of Virginia, but I did have debating experience through three years of high school Model
Congress. While I enjoyed Model Congress, the freedom of debate, ability to build coalitions,
and huge diversity of topics offered in Model UN elevates it above its counterpart. Since being
involved in Model UN, I have traveled with the UVa Travel Team to other collegiate
conferences, was a staffer for the WGSS Crisis in VAMUN XXXIV and was a Committee Chair
last semester at VICS XX. Despite intending to major in math, I have always loved history and
specifically the history of the United States and European History. Specifically to this
committee, I find that many people do not know as much as they think they know about the
causes of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. I hope that in researching
this topic, both you and I will dispel a few myths and gain a deeper and more accurate
understanding of the founding of the United States.
This is not a typical Model UN committee nor is it what most delegates expect of a United States
committee in 1775. This background guide will not only serve as your first source as you begin
researching this topic and your specific positions, it will also explain the few unique procedures
and set the tone on this committee’s main focus. There are a few voting and other procedural
processes that are unique to this committee which will be explained in the committee overview.
Also, while I encourage you to gather facts and information through this background guide, you
should look at what is included and how that information will shape what we actually debate in
committee. Specifically, I would highly suggest looking at the questions to consider and
answering them from the perspective of your delegate. My final piece of advice is this committee
is set in 1775 meaning that anything that occurred in reality after 1775 can be altered in this
committee.
I prefer to accept position papers through email. Also, feel free to email me with any questions,
comments, concerns, fun facts, patriotic pictures, your Netflix account password, or greetings. If
you message asks for a response I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
Regards, Zachary Diamond zjd6uf@virginia.edu
Second Continental Congress
Committee Overview
The Thirteen Colonies have experienced very little regulation from its mother country
England. However, following the French and Indian War, the English crown has raised taxes and
overall involvement in their colonies in North America. The increased regulation has led to a
minority outcry in the colonies against England. In order to represent the colonies as one body to
effectively deal with this conflict with England, the Thirteen Colonies created the Continental
Congress which is a collection of representatives from each state in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia in the summer of 1775. The
Congress has recently sent the Olive-Branch Petition to the British in response to England
instituting what some colonists have coined the “Intolerable Acts.” While there is no set agenda
of topics for the Continental Congress, the main issue to discuss and solve is the relationship the
colonies should hold with England. However, the Congress has more responsibilities and will
constantly be called to solve issues within the colonies. The Congress should expect regular
correspondence from George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, and his
endeavors with British forces in the Northeast. Further, individual delegates might receive
correspondence about specific issues in their colonies such as relationships with Native
Americans and economic issues.
Each colony, not each delegate, will have a vote on motions and approving directives.
When voting, each colony will be called to cast their vote. If a consensus between the delegates
of a colony cannot be reached, then the vote of the colony will be the vote of a majority of the
delegates from that colony. Therefore, if two delegates from Delaware vote in favor and one
against a motion, then Delaware will vote in favor of the motion. In the event of a tie, the colony
will abstain. All motion and directives, unless specifically noted need majority approval to be
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passed. In the event of a tie in voting, the chair of the Congress casts the deciding vote. A final
note, some delegates at the Congress in actuality did not appear until 1776 but for MUN logistics
we will assume they are in the Congress when we begin on July 10th, 1775.
Relationship with England
History of the Issue
The Thirteen colonies were established starting with the Virginia Colony in 1607 and
ending with the Georgia Colony becoming a royal colony in 1752.1 The colonies were and as of
1775 still are under the authority of the English crown and the laws and rules of the British
Parliament. England’s relationship with the colonies was primarily for economic benefit by
importing raw materials from the colonies and exporting finished products. The colonies in New
England, which consisted of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire,
primarily exported whaling products and rum. The Middle Colonies, which consisted of
Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey, mainly exported wheat. The Southern
Colonies, which consisted of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia,
exported cash crops such as tobacco, cotton, sugar, and rice.2 The colonists were considered
British subjects and supported the English crown, evident in the fighting effort put forth in the
Seven Days War.
The Seven Days War, known in the colonies as the French and Indian War, was fought
primarily between Great Britain and France in the years 1756 to 1763. Beginning in 1754,
conflicts between English colonists and French colonists in the Ohio River Valley led to fighting.
1
“13 Colonies Timeline,” Land of the Brave, 5/29/15, http://www.landofthebrave.info/13-colonies-timeline.htm.
“The Original 13 Colonies,” Land of the Brave, 5/29/15, http://www.landofthebrave.info/american-history-of-13colonies.htm 2
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Britain officially declared war on France in 1756 but French success in the battlefield continued.
Starting in 1757, Britain made a larger investment in the fighting in the American colonies.
William Pitt, the new British leader, took on large debt to help fight in Europe and reimbursed
the American colonies to encourage them to raise their own troops. In 1760, Britain gained
control of Canada with the fall of Montreal and Spain soon followed by joining the war effort
with France against Britain. The peace conference in 1763 saw France officially cede Canada to
Britain, Louisiana to Spain. Britain also acquired Florida from Spain. This treaty opened the
American colonies to further westward expansion as it removed French influence in North
America.3
Despite victory in the French and Indian War, multiple issues arose in Great Britain
which created tension between Britain and its colonies in North America. The biggest issue was
the debt Great Britain collected from the war. The war cost Britain £70,000,000 which doubled
the British debt to £140,000,000. 4 Parliament’s attempt to raise taxes in England was met with
opposition with the Cider Revolt in 1763. The American colonists, however, had contributed
nearly no funding to the war effort. The colonists had been reimbursed £275,000 for their costs
in the war and colonists only paid 1/20th the taxes of those living in England. Further, British
officials wanted to station 10,000 British soldiers in the colonies to prevent further Indian,
Spanish, and French violence which would cost an estimated £300,000 per year to maintain.5
The British Parliament looked into how much the colonists owed the British government for their
protection in the war and their continuous protection.
3
History.comStaff, “French and Indian War,” History.com, 5/30/15, http://www.history.com/topics/french-andindian-war.
4
Thomas Landenburg, “The Problems that England Faced after the French and Indian War,” digitalhistory.uh.edu,
5/29/15 http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/lesson_plans/pdfs/unit1_6.pdf.
5
Ibid. Second Continental Congress
The other issue was the continued practice of colonial merchants smuggling goods and
breaking English trade and customs laws. During the war, colonial traders smuggled goods past
British blockades of French colonial ports in the West Indies. Many colonial merchants made
fortunes by avoiding the tariffs and trade regulations imposed by the English crown. Britain
estimated that around £700,000 of goods were imported illegally into the American colonies
each year.6 The British questioned whether the economic benefits they expected from
maintaining the colonies were being capitalized on with all the lost trade and profits.
Following the end of the French and Indian War, Parliament became more involved in
governing of the colonies in an attempt to raise revenue for the British treasury. In 1764 and
1765, Parliament passed the Sugar Act, Currency Act, Quartering Act, and Stamp Act. Both the
Quartering Act and Stamp Act specifically created colonial opposition to Great Britain. The
Quartering Act forced colonists to provide barracks and supplies to stationed British soldiers.
The Stamp Act was the first direct tax by Parliament on the colonies which taxed documents and
packages. Colonial opposition to these acts began with the practice of nonimportation, or the
boycotting of British imported goods. In response to the Stamp Act, colonists began forming a
secret network of groups aimed at intimidating the Stamp Act collection officials called the Sons
of Liberty. Finally, in 1765 the line, “no taxation without representation” surfaced from the
Stamp Act Congress.
The Stamp Act Congress convened in New York in October 1765. Nine of the thirteen
colonies, all except Georgia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia, sent delegates to the
Congress. The goal of the Congress was to provide a unified effort in opposing the Stamp Act
6
Thomas Landenburg, “The Problems that England Faced after the French and Indian War,” digitalhistory.uh.edu,
5/29/15 http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/lesson_plans/pdfs/unit1_6.pdf.
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passed by Parliament. Ultimately, the Stamp Act Resolves asserted Parliament’s authority over
the colonies but disputed Parliaments ability to tax the colonies. Ultimately, organized boycotts
were more influential than this Congress in repealing the Stamp Act.7
In 1766, Parliament repealed the Stamp Act but followed in 1767 with the Townshend
Acts which placed taxes on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. After opposition and boycotting of
the taxed goods resulted in lower profits, Parliament ended all the Townshend Act taxes except
for those on tea in 1770. The colonists responded by ending nonimportation but violence
continued. The British sent soldiers to the city of Boston which were met by an unhappy crowd.
On March 5, 1770, a group of British soldiers opened fire against a crowd of colonists killing
three and wounding two other colonists.8 This event would later be known as the Boston
Massacre. In 1773, Parliament issued the Tea Act giving granting the British East India Tea
Company huge tax breaks and ultimately an unfair advantage in selling tea to the American
colonies. On December 16, 1773, a group of colonists against the Tea Act dressed up as Native
Americans and dumped a new shipment of tea off of British merchant ships into the Boston
harbor. This event would be known as the Boston Tea Party.
Parliament responded to the Boston Tea Party by passing the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts
on March 28, 1774. The Coercive Acts were four different acts meant to restore order and
Parliamentary authority in Boston and to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party. The Boston
Port Act closed the port of Boston until damages from the Boston Tea Party were paid. The
Massachusetts Government Act restricted town meetings in the colony and turned the governor’s
council into an appointed body. The Administration of Justice Act allowed British officials to be
7
“Stamp Act Congress”, Independence Hall Assosciation in Philadelphia, 6/23/15,
http://www.ushistory.org/us/10a.asp.
8
“America During the Age of Revolution 1764-1775,” The Library of Congress, 5/29/15,
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/continental/timeline1d.html. Second Continental Congress
tried back in England instead of in a court in Massachusetts. Finally, the Quartering Act forced
colonists to house and quarter British troops on demand.9
The colonists responded to the Coercive Acts with the First Continental Congress. All
colonies, except for Georgia who were torn on the idea of the Congress and were dealing with
Native Americans, sent delegates to Congress which met from September 5, 1774 to October 26,
1774. The colonists in New England began to prepare themselves for potential violence with
British Soldiers. As more British soldiers arrived in Boston, colonists rushed to set up city
militias and gather armaments while the British soldiers looked to seize colonial armories.
Current Status of the Issue
The Second Continental Congress convened following two more clashes between the
British and the colonies. First, Parliament passed the New England Restraining Act banning the
New England colonies from trading with any nation except for Great Britain. However, the
biggest issue was the outbreak of violence between British soldiers and colonial militia in New
England. April 19, 1775, British troops marching on a colonial armory were met by colonial
militia in Lexington. Following a stray shot from an unknown shooter, violence broke out
between the two sides. The British sent the militia retreating and then marched onto Concord but
many died on both sides.
The Second Continental Congress began on May 10, 1775 in Carpenters Hall in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in light of the continuous fighting between New England colonies
and British soldiers. The Second Continental Congress has already taken a few actions to
establish terms with Great Britain and set up reconciliation. The biggest action was approving of
9
History.com Staff, “British Parliament Adopts the Coercive Acts,” History.com, 5/29/15,
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-parliament-adopts-the-coercive-acts.
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the Olive-Branch Petition on July 5, 1775. This petition was sent to the King of England stating
that the colonists still wished to remain British subjects but asked for the rights of the
Parliaments to be restored, specifically to repeal the Coercive Acts placed on New England. The
Congress is still waiting on a response to the petition. Overall, the colonists still are loyal to the
British crown. However, Parliament until 1763 was rarely involved in jurisdiction over the
colonies and the Congress is appealing to King George III to restrain the acts of Parliament on
the colonies.
Current Analysis of the Issue
For a long stretch of time, the colonies enjoyed “salutary neglect” from the British
parliament and were mostly ruled by the elected colonial bodies. However, the French and Indian
War created a war debt for the British treasury that they learned through the Cider Revolts would
not be satisfied by the British population. Conflicts have arisen as Great Britain does not believe
it is getting its fair share of profits from the American colonies while the colonies do not believe
the British Parliament has a right to enforce such measures being that the colonies have no
representation in Parliament and have been left to their own rule for most of their existence.
Despite the growing conflict between Britain and the colonies, the Continental Congress
still holds with an overwhelming majority the desire to remain British subjects. Even before the
beginning of the Congress, conservatives in the middle and southern colonies had clearly stated
through correspondence that colonial unity would never stand on any proposal which threatened
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a break with Britain.10 The only true radical representatives that wish for independence coming
into the Congress are some from the New England colonies.
Finally, all of the representatives at the Congress are men of comfortable living
circumstances to holding large fortunes. Samuel Adams was the only delegate who insisted on
being poor and during recent years he was able to afford two family servants through his
salary.11 Another issue of importance is the difference between the three regions of the colonies.
The New England colonies are currently the only colonies experiencing large British oversight
while the middle and southern colonies have had very few issues with British soldiers and
Parliament. Even during the Congress, the conservative faction has so far dominated the actions
as evident in the opening of the Olive Branch Petition, “We your majesty’s faithful subjects of
the colonies of (…).”12
Goals of the Committee
The goal of the Continental Congress is to establish a relationship with Great Britain that
is beneficial to the colonies. However, the statement “beneficial to the colonies” applies to each
colony and each representative differently. While a majority of the colonies are not affected by
recent British actions, making a stand and setting protections against Parliament can prevent
potential conflicts in the future. Specifically, the Congress should make England address the
Coercive Act, end martial law in Boston, and restore New England to its normal colonial status
or perhaps break from the England compeltely.
10
Lynn Montross, The Reluctant Rebels: The Story of the Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Harper and Brothers
Publishing, 1950)27.
11
Lynn Montross, The Reluctant Rebels: The Story of the Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Harper and Brothers
Publishing, 1950) 29.
12
Pamela Kline, “The Olive Branch Petition,” Revolutionary-War.net, 5/29/15 http://www.revolutionarywar.net/olive-branch-petition.html. Second Continental Congress
Questions to Consider
1. What does my colony and what do I personally want the colonies relationship with
England to be?
2. What rights do the colonies hold that cannot be interfered with by British Parliament?
3. What authorities does this Continental Congress hold?
4. Are the American colonies one collection of colonies or each independent entities?
The Continental Army
History of the Issue
The battles at Lexington and Concord began a string of violence between armed colonists
and British soldiers. Military leaders in Massachusetts immediately appealed to other New
England colonies for more soldiers. Furthermore, the struggle for munitions continued as the
colonists looked for better means to arm themselves. On May 10, 1775, Benedict Arnold and
Ethan Allen commanded a force that without firing a shot captured the poorly defended Fort
Ticonderoga which not only contained firearms and gunpowder, but also a hundred cannons and
artillery rounds.13
On July 12, 1775, colonial forces fought against British soldiers in the Battle of Bunker
Hill after attempting to fortify hills surrounded the city of Boston. The fighting saw 2400 British
soldiers eventually make the 1000 colonists retreat and lose their fortifications.14
13
“The Battle of Ticonderoga,” Hobart.k12.in.us, 5/31/15,
http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/gemedia/amrev/revwar/ticonder.htm.
14
“America During the Age of Revolution 1764-1775,” The Library of Congress, 5/29/15,
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/continental/timeline1f.html Second Continental Congress
Current Status of the Issue
On July 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress named the colonial forces outside of
Boston the Continental Army. Following on July 15, the Congress appointed George Washington
from Virginia as commander of the army. The small colonial force of 14,000 volunteers is
mainly comprised of colonists from New England.15 The Congress expects regular
correspondence from George Washington.
The Continental Army currently has cannons at Fort Ticonderoga and is attempting to set
a siege of Boston. The British continue to bring more soldiers to the city and build the number of
British regulars. There are current with maintaining an effective siege of Boston and forcing the
British to leave as the colonists need to control the hills, which they were unable to do at Bunker
Hill, and disrupt British naval control of Boston Harbor as currently the British can ship in
supplies as needed.
Current Analysis of the Issue
Despite now officially being a Continental Army and under jurisdiction of the
Continental Congress, it does not change the complexion of the army and the fact that it is
mostly a militia force. The Continental Army is mainly comprised of New England colonists and
is a poorly trained group of nonprofessional soldiers. This army lacks the discipline, equipment,
training, and numbers of a clearly superior British professional army.
The issue of enlarging and maintaining the Continental Army is a concern of the
Continental Congress. The Congress has no authority to levy taxes or muster troops directly.16
15
16
Edward Lengel, George Washington: A Military Life (Random House, 2005) 106.
“Continental Army,” u-shistory.com, 5/31/15, http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3996.html. Second Continental Congress
Instead, the Congress must rely on volunteers to join the Continental Army and states to be able
to compensate the soldiers. Furthermore, Congress cannot control the actions of the Continental
Army itself and can only advise George Washington on what the army should be doing.
Lastly, Congress having a Continental Army, while still identifying Great Britain as its
mother country creates a contradiction. To justify the Continental Army and violence against
British forces, Congress has issued a Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up
Arms. This declaration still confirms that the colonies are under the rule of the British crown, but
explains the violence as an action to counter Parliament overstepping its dominion. However,
putting more support into holding an army fighting against the British is alarming to colonists
and representatives, as there is no formal declaration of war and many representatives do not
want to break from England.
Goals of the Committee
The Congress can expect correspondence from George Washington explaining issues
with the Continental Army that need to be addressed. The Congress should overall be concerned
about maintaining a fighting force. Without opposition or an ability to stop British soldiers from
imposing Parliament’s decrees, the Continental Congress has very little influence over
determining the colonies relationship with England.
Questions to Consider
1. What is the purpose of the Continental Army?
2. Is the Continental Army a glorified force of New England colonists or the army of the
colonies?
3. How can Congress better equip and compensate the Continental Army?
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4. How can colonies, specifically the Middle and Southern colonies, get more men to enlist?
Native Americans
History of the Issue
The English and the English colonies have never had a long lasting and healthy relation
with the Native Americans. Settlement of Europeans in America has brought disease to the
Native American tribes and they continued to be pushed farther westward as more Europeans
arrive. It is not surprising that the Native Americans sided with the French in the Seven Years
War (1755-1763). The French colonies were trade based that interacted with the Native
Americans to bolster fur trapping and the sale of other merchant goods. The English colonies, on
the other hand, have isolated themselves from Native Americans and are more based as creating
large cities than small trading colonies.
Following the French and Indian War, tensions between colonists expanding westward
and Native Americans increased. The British announced the Proclamation of 1763 prohibiting
settlement in the lands gained in the French and Indian War. While this angered many colonists
its goal was to stop further conflict with the Native Americans.
Current Status of the Issue
With the French and Indian War seeing France lose its colonies in Louisiana, the Native
Americans are torn over the conflict existing between the American colonists and British. In the
North, the Iroquois hold a strong unified front as the League of the Iroquois. Settled primarily on
the border of New York and Pennsylvania, the Iroquois have effectively resisted European
encroachment by having tribes unite under a council called the League of the Iroquois. The
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League sided with the colonists and British in the French and Indian War but is torn on whom
they support with this violent outbreak in 1775.17
Just south, the Shawnee Indians have tribes on the western borders from Pennsylvania to
Virginia. The Shawnee are traditionally a warlike tribe and while they have taken no action
against the colonists recently, they could threaten colonial security if provoked.18
The Cherokee are a large and united tribe with a large presence in Georgia and other
Southern colonies. The Cherokee have had strong relations with the English and British colonies
until the Seven Years War. Feeling underappreciated and undercompensated while aiding the
British, the Cherokee switched sides during the war.19 The Anglo-Cherokee War (1759-1761)
saw the destruction of Cherokee villages and a huge population drop. Over a decade later, the
Cherokee have rebuilt and hold a hatred over Europeans and the colonies. Cherokee raids and
issues prevented Georgia from sending delegates to the first Continental Congress.
Analysis of the Issue
The Native Americans are a minor problem in light of the violence with Britain.
However, the Native Americans bring the threat of forcing the colonies to deal with separate
issues and not work together to negotiate and deal with Britain. The current allegiance of the
Native Americans is unknown. Until now, the colonists and British have essentially been the
same in the eyes of Native Americans and now with some violence they are unsure which side to
support.
17
“Colonial-Indian Relations,” University of Groningen, 5/31/15, http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/outlines/history1994/early-america/colonial-indian-relations.php.
18
“Shawnee,” The Free Dictionary, 5/31/15, http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Shawanese.
19
Tyler Boulware, “Cherokee Indians,” New Georgia Encyclopedia, 5/31/15,
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/cherokee-indians. Second Continental Congress
Just as the colonies are different depending on the region, the same exists for the Native
American tribes. Each tribe has different characteristics, allegiances, tactics, and goals which
presents different issue and actions for each colony to take in dealing with the Native Americans.
In some aspects, the colonial government and individual representatives can deal with Native
Americans but in certain circumstances, negotiating with Native Americans as the Continental
Congress can be effective.
Goals of the Committee
Ultimately, the representatives of the Continental Congress represent their colonies and
the colonial governments. A priority of every representative is the security and stability of his
own colony and therefore the Native American threats need to be addressed adequately.
The Congress needs to ensure that Native American conflicts do not deter unity and focus
of the Congress. These issues target more individual colonies and could make some colonies,
especially those currently unaffected by British occupation, lose focus of establishing a
relationship with England. Congress can do this by responding effectively to Native American
issues and possibly being proactive in establishing communication with Native American tribes.
Questions to Consider
1. What Native American threats are present to my colony?
2. What is the correct balance between Native American appeasement and allowing
westward expansion?
3. Is dealing with Native Americans the responsibility of the individual colonies or of the
Continental Congress?
4. What authority can the Congress hold in negotiations with Native Americans?
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European Nations
History of the Issue
The British have the largest empire in the world and have naturally created enemies with
other European Nations. France and Spain both fought against the British in the Seven Years
War and lost large stakes in their North American colonies from the war.
Since the fall of the Roman Empire, an Anglo-French rivalry has existed. The most recent
encounter was the Seven Years War which was both a European and colonial conflict between
the two empires. France’s colonial influence in North America ended with the Treaty of Paris in
1763. France conceded Louisiana to Spain and lost Canada to England in the peace talks.
Currently, France’s empire is becoming less profitable as they see their rival country grow in
influence.
Spain joined France in the Seven Years War in fear of the growing British Empire. While
they acquired Louisiana in the Treaty of Paris, Spain conceded Florida to the British. Spain has
historically a powerful European nation, once the most powerful until the Spanish Armada was
defeated by the British. Now, internal problems as well as declining profitability from colonies
sees Spain dropping to second rate European power.
Current Status of the Issue
France currently is looking for a way to get even with Britain. However, they have lost all
influence in North America and only hold their colonies in the West Indies; which are primarily
plantations and settled by plantation owners and merchants. Furthermore, the French population
is beginning to grow restless with the French monarchy. Many French philosophers have
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published treatises on different forms of government and where consent of government derives
from. The work of these French philosophers does not only exist in France but also in the minds
of many intellectuals in the colonies and representatives in the Continental Congress.
Spain currently holds the large stretch of land in Louisiana which they acquired from the
French in 1763. However, Spain has been slow to assume control of Louisiana which is
primarily populated by Native Americans and French colonists.20 Spain truly desires to reacquire
its colonial land in Florida that was taken by the British in 1763.
Analysis of the Issue
France and Spain are both bitter with the British due to the British success in the Seven
Years War. European support for the Continental Congress could be extremely useful in
negotiating with Britain. Further, both France and Spain have professional armies and navies that
can aid the colonists. Bringing European military leaders to the Continental Army could add
discipline and overall better training for the currently weak and disorganized colonial force.
Also, both France and Spain can provide a comparable navy to compete with the British navy.
The Continental Congress lacks an organized navy and any way to prevent the British navy from
controlling any port. Specifically with the siege of Boston, the British fleet holding the Boston
harbor makes any siege of Boston extremely ineffective.
Along with military aid, European support provides economics and diplomatic benefits.
Trading with these European nations can expand merchant profitability and bring colonies
needed supplies. Furthermore, European recognition presents Congress as a governing body with
20
Ted Brackemyre, “The American Revolution,” ushistoryscene.com, 5/31/15, http://ushistoryscene.com/article/amrev-european-ordeal/.
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more influence in making treaties and ruling as a separate nation instead of a collection of
colonies.
Goals of the Committee
Once again, the overall goal is to determine the best possible relationship with Britain
and any measure should be used to accomplish this goal. These other European nations can
provide negotiation leverage or possible assistance if a break from Britain is approved.
Questions to Consider
1. What is our current optimal relationship with Britain and how does that affect these
European nations?
2. How can we gain the support of other European nations?
3. What type of support do we want from other European nations?
4. Can the colonies resist British oversight of Parliament without European aid?
Guide to Research
This guide should be the starting point of your research into the committee and the
underlying topics. There is a lot of information available on the Revolutionary Era, Continental
Congress, and the individual delegates through both internet websites and library collections. My
first suggestion is to be aware of the starting date of the committee. Many sources will provide
information about specific delegates actions beyond 1776 which do not necessarily represent
their opinions and beliefs in 1775. I would suggest browsing the early chapters of 1775: A Good
Year for Revolution by Kevin Phillips as it outlines what drove most delegates to eventually vote
for independence. Second, your research should include primary sources. Transcripts of
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declaration and letters from the Continental and individual such as the Olive Branch Petition,
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms, and correspondence with George
Washington are all valuable resources. Finally, you should be able to find information on your
individual delegate and colony. Many websites have biographies of the signers of the declaration
and other influential members of the Congress. Further, I have found specific books for colonies
such as Connecticut in the Continental Congress by Christopher Collier and Biographical
Sketches of the delegates from Georgia in the Continental Congress by Charles C. Jones. If you
are finding difficulties researching your specific delegate or colony do not hesitate to send me an
email and I will aid you in finding sources.
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Works Cited
“13 Colonies Timeline,” Land of the Brave, 5/29/15, http://www.landofthebrave.info/13colonies-timeline.htm.
“America During the Age of Revolution 1764-1775,” The Library of Congress, 5/29/15,
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/continental/timeline1d.html.
“Colonial-Indian Relations,” University of Groningen, 5/31/15,
http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/outlines/history-1994/early-america/colonial-indian-relations.php.
“Stamp Act Congress”, Independence Hall Assosciation in Philadelphia, 6/23/15,
http://www.ushistory.org/us/10a.asp.
“The Battle of Ticonderoga,” Hobart.k12.in.us, 5/31/15,
http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/gemedia/amrev/revwar/ticonder.htm.
“The Continental Congress Deals with the “Savages”, 1776-1778,” Library of Congress,
5/31/15,http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presenta
tions/timeline/amrev/homefrnt/savages.html.
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