The York Congress (Ep8)

EPISODE 8: THE YORK CONGRESS. The Second Continental Congress – the one that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 at the Philadelphia State House and served as representative government during the American Revolutionary War – spent nine months in session at the county courthouse in York, Pennsylvania. During this period, some of the most consequential decisions of the American Revolution were made. These include agreement on America's first national charter, the Articles of Confederation, as well as the first international treaties, which comprised the Franco-American Alliance of 1778. Some claim that the Articles of Confederation establish York as the first true capital of the United States. This episode explains why members of the Continental Congress met in York, how they got there, and why they returned to Philadelphia nine months later. 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.” From July of 1777 to June of 1778, the most crucial events in that pivotal year of the Revolution (except, notably, the Battles of Saratoga), either happened in Pennsylvania or Pennsylvanians were at the heart of them.

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:

· Valley Forge by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

· Benjamin Franklin – An American Life by Walter Isaacson

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

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

Calls to action:

· Follow us on Instagram to learn when new episodes drop or to be a part of our chat community IG: pennsylmaniapod

· Join our email list to receive news on the podcast by emailing us at producer@pennsylmania.com

· Provide feedback on this episode, or give us ideas for new episodes, by emailing us at producer@pennsylmania.com

· Leave a review on the Pennsylmania website: www.pennsylmania.com.

· Visit historic York, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the Explore York website.

· Visit the York County History Center. For more information, visit the Center's website.