The colonists called a meeting of the Second Continental Congress for a very simple reason. When the First Continental Congress wrapped up in early fall of 1774, they agreed to meet again about nine months later if the issues regarding the Intolerable Acts were not resolved. Thus, they had already planned to meet again if necessary.  There were many significant events that occurred after the First Continental Congress gathered in September 1774.  The battle at Lexington-Concord had taken place in April 1775. The Intolerable Acts were not repealed. Thus, the Second Continental Congress met in May 1775 and made some important decisions.  The Second Continental Congress began to operate like a government, even though it was an unofficial government.  They formed an army under the leadership of George Washington. They printed money, began talking with other countries, developed a post office, and talked with the Native Americans. They extended a peace offering to the King, called the Olive Branch Petition, which was rejected by Britain. Ultimately, they began to debate independence.  The meeting of the Second Continental Congress was a meeting that was planned in advance, during the meeting of the First Continental Congress.