1775–1789N/A

Continental Congress

1 conflicts · $70B total war cost (2024$) · 25,000 US deaths

$70B

War Cost (2024$)

25,000

US Deaths

1

Conflicts

Military Budget (Total $B)

🎯 Major Military Decisions

  • Declaration of Independence
  • Alliance with France
  • Treaty of Paris

0

Authorized by Congress

1

No Authorization

Civilian Deaths

📖 War Record Analysis

The Continental Congress governed the American Revolution — the original war of independence. It authorized the Continental Army, appointed George Washington as commander, and navigated the alliance with France that proved decisive. The war cost approximately $2.4 billion (2024 dollars) and 25,000 American lives, establishing the principle that a people can overthrow tyranny through force of arms.

⚖️ Constitutional Authority

Continental Congress conducted 1 military operation without congressional authorization — waging war through executive power alone.

Unauthorized conflicts:

American Revolutionary WarPre-Constitution. Continental Congress authorized.

🗽 The Assessment

Continental Congress's military record cost 25,000 American lives and $70B in treasure (2024 dollars). Of 1 conflicts, 1 were waged without congressional authorization — a fundamental violation of the constitutional order. Every dollar spent on war is a dollar not spent on reducing the tax burden, and every life lost is a permanent cost borne by American families.