First Continental Congress

Definition

The First Continental Congress was a gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies held in Philadelphia in 1774, aimed at addressing colonial grievances against British rule. This meeting marked a significant step towards uniting the colonies in opposition to British policies and laid the groundwork for future cooperation and resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Continental Congress convened from September 5 to October 26, 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain.
2. Delegates included prominent figures like George Washington, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, who represented various colonies with differing views on resistance.
3. The Congress passed the Continental Association, which called for a boycott of British goods and established committees to enforce this boycott across the colonies.
4. While the Congress did not advocate for independence at this time, it asserted colonial rights and urged the British government to address grievances.
5. The meeting set a precedent for future collective action among the colonies, leading directly to the formation of the Second Continental Congress.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the First Continental Congress, and how did it address colonial grievances?
  • The main objectives of the First Continental Congress were to unify the colonies in response to British actions, particularly the Intolerable Acts. Delegates discussed strategies for addressing grievances by asserting colonial rights and organizing a collective response through measures like the Continental Association. The Congress aimed to present a united front to Britain while avoiding immediate calls for independence.
• Analyze how the decisions made at the First Continental Congress influenced later events leading up to the American Revolution.
  • The decisions made at the First Continental Congress significantly influenced subsequent events by fostering a spirit of unity and resistance among the colonies. The adoption of the Continental Association laid the groundwork for organized boycotts and unified action against British goods, creating momentum that would culminate in open conflict. This early cooperation set a precedent for collective colonial action that proved crucial as tensions escalated into war.
• Evaluate the significance of the First Continental Congress in terms of its impact on colonial identity and governance during this period.
  • The significance of the First Continental Congress lies in its role in shaping a distinct colonial identity separate from British authority. By bringing together representatives from various colonies, it fostered a sense of shared purpose and collective governance. This meeting not only addressed immediate concerns about British policies but also established a framework for collaboration that would evolve into a more formal structure of self-governance, ultimately paving the way for independence.

Related terms

Suffolk Resolves: A declaration made by the people of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, which called for the colonies to resist the Intolerable Acts and established a framework for colonial unity.

Continental Association: An agreement established by the First Continental Congress to promote a boycott of British goods and to organize resistance against British authorities.

Second Continental Congress: A subsequent assembly that convened in 1775, following the outbreak of hostilities, which managed the colonial war effort and moved towards declaring independence.