The York Congress (Ep8)

The Second Continental Congress – the very same Congress that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 at the state house in Philadelphia and that served as our representative government during the American Revolutionary War – – actually spent nine months in official session at the county courthouse in York, Pennsylvania. During its time in York, some of the most consequential decisions of the American Revolution were made – including agreement on the Articles of Confederation, which was our first national charter, and signing our nation’s first alliance – which was with France. Some say that the Articles of Confederation make York the first true capital of the United States. This episode explains why the Continental Congress met in York, how it got there, and why it left after nine months. It also includes a detailed description of the Battle of Brandywine Creek and the Battle of Germantown. This is the first in a three-part series titled “The Year of Pennsylvania” when from July of 1777 to June of 1778 the most crucial events in that pivotal year of the American Revolution, save for the Battles of Saratoga, either happened in Pennsylvania or Pennsylvanians were at the heart of it.

Timestamps for major events/discussions:

[01:22] – British military strategy in 1777

[04:21] – Battle of Brandywine Creek

[11:35] – Congress evacuates Philadelphia

[12:50] – Congress convenes in York

[20:19] – Cleavages in Pennsylvania politics

[25:22] – Articles of Confederation debated and adopted

[30:02] – Battle of Germantown

[38:42] – Battles of Saratoga

[44:16] – Franklin receives the news in France

[46:02] – Congress debates a standing, professional army

[49:36] – Places to visit

Books to read:  

·      “Robert Morris – Financier of the American Revolution” by Charles Rappleye

·      “Benjamin Franklin – An American Life” by Walter Isaacson

·      “A Great Improvisation – Franklin, France and the Birth of America” by Stacy Schiff

·      “Valley Forge” by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

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