Overview
This lecture covers colonial responses to the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts, the formation and actions of the First Continental Congress in 1774, and evolving American identity leading up to the Revolution.
Colonial Reaction to the Coercive Acts
- The Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) were punitive British laws targeting Massachusetts for resistance.
- Massachusetts' colonial assembly was dissolved, leading colonists to form the illegal Provincial Congress.
- Provincial Congresses acted as unofficial, colony-run "shadow governments" outside British control.
- The Massachusetts Provincial Congress produced the Suffolk Resolves, a plan to oppose the Coercive Acts.
Emergence of Colonial Unity
- Other colonies shifted from seeing Massachusetts' troubles as isolated to seeing them as a shared threat.
- Colonies realized British actions in Massachusetts could set a precedent for all.
- This shift prompted collective colonial action and cooperation.
The First Continental Congress
- Twelve colonies met in Philadelphia in 1774 as the First Continental Congress in response to the Coercive Acts.
- The Congress adopted the Suffolk Resolves as a guide for colonial response.
- Key actions included demanding repeal of the Coercive Acts and organizing boycotts of British goods (non-importation, non-consumption).
- Colonies were urged to prepare their militias in case of violence.
- Loyalist members were expelled from militias to ensure unity.
- The Continental Association was created to enforce the boycott of British goods across all colonies.
American Identity and Next Steps
- The First Continental Congress marked an early step toward a unified colonial government.
- Delegates still claimed loyalty to the British Crown, with few advocating full independence.
- Colonists awaited Britain's response, hoping for a repeat of the Stamp Act outcome.
- The Congress planned to reconvene in one year as the Second Continental Congress, unaware major conflict would soon erupt.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Coercive (Intolerable) Acts — British laws punishing Massachusetts for resistance, seen as oppressive by colonists.
- Provincial Congress — Illegal, colony-organized assembly operating outside British authority.
- Suffolk Resolves — Massachusetts' plan of resistance to the Coercive Acts, later adopted by the Continental Congress.
- First Continental Congress — Meeting of delegates from 12 colonies in 1774 to coordinate resistance against British policies.
- Continental Association — Organization created to enforce colonial boycott of British goods.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Suffolk Resolves and the work of the First Continental Congress.
- Prepare for upcoming discussion on the Second Continental Congress and the outbreak of open conflict.