The Second Continental Congress was a gathering of delegates from the thirteen American colonies that took place in May 1775, following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. This congress served as the de facto national government, coordinating the colonial war effort and managing relations with foreign powers. One of its significant actions was the appointment of George Washington as the commander of the Continental Army. The congress also adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, formally declaring the colonies' separation from British rule and laying the groundwork for the formation of the United States.