30 jan 1773 ano - 1774 - The First Continental Congress

Descrição:

Representatives and purpose: The First Continental Congress was essentially a group of 55 representatives of the colonies, who made the first major effort to try and fight for their rights. The idea behind this congress was to set a plan in motion to fight against the unfair Intolerable Acts passed after the Boston Tea Party. In the congress, some key decisions and agreements were made:
Suffolk Resolves: These were a series of resolutions aiming at stating how unfair the Coercive Acts were, and also encouraging Massachusetts to resist the British domain, even if it meant using force.
Declaration of American Rights: Which were in fact a declaration of why the colonists believed they should have the same rights as British citizens and that the Parliament should not interfere with any colonial affairs.
The Continental Association: Which was an agreement for all colonies to organize boycotts by not buying any British goods (Daughters of Liberty were pretty significant.)
Role of the people: Even though this congress had some key major figures that are considered heroes such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, it was also the people who played a huge role in the American Revolution; they were the ones volunteering and participating in boycotts, and joining the local militias.
Britain’s reaction: The British government established that the colonies were banned from trading with other countries; they could only trade with Britain. They also declared that Massachusetts was in a state of rebellion. However, in an attempt to provide their last offer of piece, they said that if any colony would voluntarily pay for their own defense and for their royal governors, that they wouldn’t have to pay for taxes anymore.
Patrick Henry: However, people were not in the mood to accept these terms, especially the radical Patrick Henry. In 1755, in one of the meetings they were holding with different representatives, he gave a very passionate speech, establishing that war was imminent, and he claimed “Give me liberty or give me death,” which became a rallying cry on the streets, as people would also believe that liberty was with fighting for, even if it meant risking their own lives.

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