http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress Discover the accomplishments of the First and Second Constitutional Congresses, and learn about the major players behind such documents as the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris. en Copyright 2013, History.com Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-06-20T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo1 In 1774, 56 deputies representing almost every American colony convened at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia to address their many grievances against the British. This First Continental Congress included George Washington and John Adams. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo2 In October of 1774, the First Continental Congress officially petitioned King George III to resolve their grievances. In conjunction with the petition, Congress called for a general boycott of British goods. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo3 In May of 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened at the State house (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. New members included Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson (photograph from 1974). http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo4 Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) , a Virginian, drafted the Declaration of Independence in the early summer of 1776. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo5 From the left, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Franklin and Adams helped revise the Declaration of Independence, which drew from established political philosophy in justifying the need for independence. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo6 On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo7 The original Declaration of Independence, signed by 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo8 The Liberty Bell was rung to celebrate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo9 An often outspoken member of Congress, Bostonian John Adams (1735-1826) fought passionately for independence. Adams became the second President of the United States. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo10 A printer, publisher, inventor, scientist, and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) represented the Continental Congress in France during the Revolution. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo11 The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, signified the conclusion of the American Revolution. Congressmen John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay signed on behalf of the United States. http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-continental-congress/photo11