In 1775 the American people began a revolutionary war for their independence . The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on May 10 , 1775. It declared a state of war against England and passed a resolution to organize an army. George Washington was appointed the Commander - in - Chief . Between 1775 and 1781 the Second Continental Congress also exercised the functions of the central government. On July 4 , 1776 the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence drawn up by Jefferson . For its time that was a progressive document. It declared the colonies to be free and independent of England and to have become the United States of America. But the question of abolishing slavery was not even raised. Negro slavery was retained. The Declaration proclaimed the equality of all people before the law, national sovereignty and the right of people to overthrow the government which violates their rights. It stated that the people have the right to abolish the old form of government and to set up a new government. In the beginning England waged war quite successfully, but then the English troops suffered defeat. The United
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