What was the primary reason for the need for a Second Continental Congress?

The need for a Second Continental Congress arose primarily from the growing desire among the American colonies for independence from British rule. After the tensions escalated due to various acts of taxation and governance perceived as unfair, the delegates recognized that simply addressing grievances would not suffice. The situation reached a critical point with the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, marking the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

The delegates convened with the intention of deliberating over the colonies' rights and future course of action. Ultimately, they aimed to organize a unified response to British aggression. This culminated in the decision to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776, formally asserting the colonies' desire to break away from British control. Thus, the Congress’s activities transitioned from addressing tax issues and grievances to making a formal demand for independence, resulting in this pivotal document that declared the colonies as independent states.