What caused representatives to meet at the second continental congress?

The representatives met at the Second Continental Congress in May 1775 primarily in response to the escalating conflict between the American colonies and British authorities, particularly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Tensions had risen due to issues such as taxation without representation, British military actions, and growing calls for independence. The Congress aimed to coordinate colonial resistance, manage the war effort, and ultimately consider the possibility of declaring independence from Britain. It became the de facto national government during the Revolutionary War.