Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Speech After Ratification of the Constitution
    • President of Second Continental Congress
    • President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress
    • Government offices held by John Hancock
    • The turning point in John Hancock’s political career
    • The Liberty affair
    • 1770-1773: Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party
    • John Hancock’s speech to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    John Hancock
    • Facts
    • Timeline
    • About Us
    John Hancock
    You are at:Home»Political Career»President of Second Continental Congress

    President of Second Continental Congress

    0
    By staff writer on January 2, 2013 Political Career
    john-hancock-signature
    As President of Congress John Hancock had the opportunity to be the first one to sign the Declaration of Independence.

    After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, John Hancock and other members headed to Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. The Congress was the first national and autonomous government of the United States. On May, 1775 Hancock was unanimously elected the 4th President by the members of Congress.  He presided Congress while the country was at war until 1777 when he resigned. Being a president was basically a ceremonial position without much power attached to it. His responsibilities included setting the agenda of Congress and serve as an impartial moderator during debates.  As president of Congress he was the first one signing the Declaration of Independence. His iconic signature was the largest on the document and it is at display at the National Archives in Washington D.C.

    He used his own money and influence in society to raise funds for George Washington’s army, to buy supplies, arms and uniforms. By 1775 his business, The House of Hancock, had to close however he continued to live a luxurious life. His opponents accused Hancock of wasting state funds to support an extravagant life he could no longer afford. Even Samuel Adams who led him through his political career did not approve of his spending habits.

    He led Congress through 1777 when he resigned in order to revive his military career.

    Back to John Hancock Homepage

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleSpeech After Ratification of the Constitution
    Next Article Biography

    Related Posts

    The turning point in John Hancock’s political career

    1765-1767: Stamp Act and Townshend Acts

    1770-1773: Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party

    Categories
    • Biography
    • Political Career
    • Declaration of Independence
    • Speeches by John Hancock
    Popular posts

    About John Hancock

    Biography

    1765-1767: Stamp Act and Townshend Acts

    John Hancock’s signature

    Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull

    John Adams, Second President of the United States

    Crispus Attucks, the first African American hero

    Stamp Act, "No Taxation without Representation"

    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.