Committees of correspondence

Definition

Committees of correspondence were networks of communication among the American colonies, established to coordinate responses to British colonial policies and promote resistance. These committees played a crucial role in fostering unity and collaboration among the colonies, allowing for the swift dissemination of information regarding British actions and colonial reactions. As tensions grew, these committees became vital in organizing boycotts and protests against oppressive laws, ultimately contributing to the movement for independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first committee of correspondence was established in Boston in 1764 to communicate opposition to British policies and to inform other colonies about their actions.
2. These committees helped coordinate resistance efforts during key events such as the Boston Tea Party, ensuring that colonists acted together against British rule.
3. By 1774, most colonies had established their own committees of correspondence, leading to increased collaboration and communication across the colonies.
4. The committees played a significant role in rallying public support for the Revolution by spreading pamphlets and news about British abuses and colonial rights.
5. In 1776, these networks evolved into formal organizations that supported the Continental Congress, helping to lay the groundwork for unified colonial action against Britain.

Review Questions

• How did the committees of correspondence facilitate communication and unity among the American colonies during British colonial policies?
  • Committees of correspondence served as essential networks that allowed American colonists to quickly share information about British actions and their responses. They helped coordinate protests and boycotts by spreading news about oppressive measures like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. By fostering communication between different colonies, these committees created a sense of solidarity among the colonists, which was crucial for resisting British authority.
• Discuss the impact of committees of correspondence on colonial boycotts during the period of the Townshend Acts.
  • The committees of correspondence significantly impacted colonial boycotts during the Townshend Acts by organizing collective responses across multiple colonies. They shared details about boycott strategies and encouraged colonists to refuse imported goods from Britain. This unified front made it clear to British officials that colonial resistance was growing stronger, ultimately leading to increased tensions and eventual conflict over taxation without representation.
• Evaluate how the committees of correspondence contributed to the broader revolutionary movement in America leading up to independence.
  • The committees of correspondence were instrumental in shaping the revolutionary movement by creating a coordinated effort among the colonies against British oppression. They facilitated discussions about rights and grievances, mobilized support for key events like the Boston Tea Party, and helped organize resistance efforts across different regions. By providing a platform for communication and collaboration, these committees laid the groundwork for a united front that ultimately culminated in the Declaration of Independence and the fight for American sovereignty.

Related terms

Sons of Liberty:

A secret organization formed in the colonies to resist British policies and promote American rights through protests and acts of civil disobedience.

Boston Tea Party:

A direct action protest by colonists against British taxation policies, specifically targeting the Tea Act by dumping tea into Boston Harbor in 1773.

First Continental Congress:

A gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in 1774 to respond to the Intolerable Acts and discuss colonial grievances against Britain.