First Continental Congress

Definition

The First Continental Congress was a gathering of representatives from twelve of the thirteen American colonies that took place in Philadelphia in 1774. This meeting aimed to address colonial grievances against British policies, unify the colonies, and coordinate a response to British oppression, ultimately laying the groundwork for collective action in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Continental Congress was held from September 5 to October 26, 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain.
2. Delegates from all colonies except Georgia attended, with notable figures such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and John Adams participating.
3. The Congress established the Continental Association to promote a united boycott against British goods and to organize local committees for enforcement.
4. The Declaration of Rights and Grievances articulated the colonies' demand for rights such as trial by jury and taxation only by their own representatives.
5. The decisions made at this Congress set the stage for future resistance and were pivotal in mobilizing colonial sentiment toward independence.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the First Continental Congress, and how did they reflect colonial concerns about British policies?
  • The main objectives of the First Continental Congress were to address grievances against British policies, promote unity among the colonies, and plan a coordinated response to perceived British oppression. The delegates sought to express their dissatisfaction with the Intolerable Acts, which they viewed as violations of their rights. By coming together, they demonstrated a growing sense of collective identity among the colonies and a commitment to resist British authority.
• How did the First Continental Congress influence the development of political strategies among the colonies in response to British rule?
  • The First Continental Congress influenced political strategies by establishing mechanisms such as the Continental Association for enforcing a boycott on British goods. This not only galvanized public support for resistance but also promoted self-governance within the colonies. The discussions led to a more organized effort to challenge British authority and encouraged local committees to take action against British practices, laying a foundation for future collective actions leading up to independence.
• Evaluate the significance of the Declaration of Rights and Grievances drafted during the First Continental Congress in shaping colonial attitudes toward independence from Britain.
  • The Declaration of Rights and Grievances was significant because it articulated key principles regarding colonial rights and governance that resonated deeply with colonists. It emphasized ideas like self-taxation through representation and legal rights, thereby framing the conflict with Britain as one rooted in fundamental liberties. This document not only rallied support for resistance but also shifted colonial attitudes toward a desire for independence, as it highlighted their commitment to defending their rights against what they perceived as tyranny.

Related terms

Continental Association: A system created by the First Continental Congress to enforce a boycott of British goods and promote economic self-sufficiency among the colonies.

Declaration of Rights and Grievances: A document produced by the First Continental Congress that outlined the colonies' rights and expressed their grievances against British rule.

Second Continental Congress: The follow-up assembly that convened in 1775, which took on greater responsibilities, including managing the war effort and declaring independence.