American revolution

Question 1

What was the first continental congress?

Answer 1

• A short meeting of just 7 weeks. Met at Philadelphia. 56 delegates attended, representing 12 out of 13 colonies.
• Met to consider response to coercive acts.

Question 2

What were the divisions with the first continental congress?

Answer 2

• Conservatives (John Dickinson) sought reconciliation wanted colonies to forge common policies to persuade parliament to repeal coercive acts.
• Radicals (John and Sam Adams) - wanted to form a new relationship with Britain where colonial rights guaranteed and abuse of parliamentary ended.

Question 3

What actions were taken as a result of the continental congress?

Answer 3

17th September - endorsed the Suffolk resolves. Resolves declared that the coercive acts were illegal and called upon Massachusetts to prepare for active resistance.

Question 4

What was the Committees of safety?

Answer 4

In late 1774 committees of inspection were established across colonies. Had mandate to enforce boycott.

Question 5

How did Britain respond to Continental congress and committees of safety?

Answer 5

Feb 1775, Parliament declared Massachusetts in state of rebellion. In March limited New England’s commerce with Britain and British west indies which was extended to all colonies.

Question 6

What was the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord?

Answer 6

• General Gage in 1775 sent troops to Salem to seize munitions but was outnumbered by Militiamen, Gage’s men forced to withdraw.
• 19th April British troops path barred by 70 militiamen at Lexington. Eight colonist killed. Britain carried on into Concord.

Question 7

What did the 2nd continental congress do?

Answer 7

-14th June 1775 voted to create continental army to organise local militias of the separate colonies into single force - George Washington appointed commander-in-chief.
-6th July 1775 Approved Declaration of The causes and Necessity of Taking up arms - outlined why 13 colonies felt they had no alternative but to fight.

Question 8

What was the Olive Branch Petition?

Answer 8

Last ditch appeal from congress to King George II, attempt to prevent further war and fighting - pointless George had supported Parliament legislation.