First Continental Congress Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is First Continental Congress?

The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between September 5th and October 26th of 1774. The purpose of the Congress was to discuss a unified response to Britain’s Intolerable Acts and other oppressive policies imposed on the colonies. The delegates were comprised of representatives from each colony, with George Washington being one such delegate. The First Continental Congress discussed several issues relating to parliamentary taxation without colonial representation, economic boycotts, and the organization of militias for protection against British troops. The delegates created a series of resolutions known as the Declaration and Resolves which outlined their grievances against Britain’s policies and served as an ultimatum that if their demands were not met they would take further measures in defense of their rights. Despite this show of unity, some delegates still disagreed on whether or not they should pursue peaceful or violent means to address these grievances. In the end, all thirteen colonies adopted a moderate solution by sending another petition directly to King George III in hopes it would bring about meaningful change before any military action was taken. The First Continental Congress ultimately led to further discussions between the colonies over how best to resist British rule and eventually served as an important prelude to independence which culminated with the Declaration of Independence two years later in 1776. This first gathering set forth many important precedents for how future congresses would work together for common interests despite competing ideologies among its membersan example which is still celebrated today by Americans across all fifty states.