First Continental
Congress (sep 5, 1774 – oct 15, 1774)
Description:
The First Continental Congress was a group of 56 delegates from 12 colonies (excluding Georgia, a relatively new colony compared to the others) who discussed the dangers of the Intolerable Acts, which had placed Massachusetts under martial law. The other colonies feared that they might be next, so they sent their best politicians to decide what to do. Their president was Peyton Randolph (until October 22, when Henry Middleton presided instead) and their secretary was Charles Thomson. Famous members included John Adams and Samuel Adams from Massachusetts, John Jay from New York, John Dickinson from Pennsylvania, and Patrick Henry and George Washington from Virginia. Though there was much debate and disagreement over a plan of action, they eventually decided to organize a boycott of British goods across the 12 colonies starting in December. Every colonial assembly but New York agreed, and committees were established to ensure the boycott was followed. They also threatened the West Indies colonies with a boycott if they did not join in. In 1775, imports from Great Britain dropped to 3% of their 1774 levels. They also agreed to arrange a Second Continental Congress the next year. Their last convention was on October 26.
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An outline of major events from (mostly early) US history.
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