The American Revolution and Confederation
Effects of the Intolerable Acts The First Continental Congress (Phili, PA) – 12 colonies assembled to discuss imposed restrictions – Overall not many colonists wanted to “break free” from Britain; just did not want their rights/ freedoms infringed upon
Who was represented? Radicals: break from Britain (Samuel & John Adams and Patrick Henry) Moderates: wanted to negotiate policies and if that failed possibly initiate war (Washington and Dickinson) Conservatives: wanted to address the issue; at most a small protest; did not want to break free (John Jay and Joseph Galloway)
The Plan Colonial unification was necessary (which made some plans not pass) Suffolk Resolves: initiated in Mass; accepted by 12 colonies; boycott British goods Declaration of Rights and Grievances: renew colonial liberties; keep British law over commerce (trade) This plan was sent to the King as a “Petition”
Royal Reaction You think you’re gunna get away with it? Not up in here…NOT UP IN HERE! The King did not accept the petition and named Mass a STATE OF REBELLION The clashes here would become the first of the Revolution
The Conflict Begins Lexington & Concord (Mass Bay & present day Arlington, VA) – 4/18/1775: British troops sent to confiscate colonial militia armaments – “Paul Revere” (Israel Bissle) and William Dawes sent to warn the colonists