Intolerable Acts of 1774 & the Philadelphia Congress

Intolerable Acts of 1774:

The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of punitive measures enacted by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. Here is an overview of these acts and their impact:

1. Boston Port Act, 1774:
• This act was passed in March 1774.
• It closed the port of Boston until restitution was made for the destroyed tea during the Boston Tea Party.
• The act severely restricted trade and had significant economic consequences for the people of Boston.
2. Administration of Justice Act, 1774:
• This act allowed royal governors to move trials for capital offences to other colonies or even to England if they believed a fair trial was not possible in the colony.
• It aimed to protect British officials from facing colonial juries, which were often sympathetic to the colonial cause.
3. Massachusetts Government Act, 1774:
• Enacted in May 1774, this act made significant changes to the governing structure of Massachusetts.
• It abolished the popularly elected upper council and replaced them with council members appointed by the King.
• The act also granted the royal governor extensive powers to dismiss judges and other officials, undermining colonial self-governance.
• Additionally, it restricted town meetings without the governor's consent, severely limiting local political autonomy.
4. Quartering Act, 1774:
• This act allowed colonial governors to house British troops in unoccupied private buildings, such as houses and barns, if needed.
• It expanded the scope of the Quartering Act of 1765.
5. Impact:
• The Intolerable Acts were met with strong resistance and protests in the American colonies.
• They further heightened tensions between Britain and the American colonies, contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.
• The acts galvanized colonial unity and led to the convening of the First Continental Congress in September 1774.

The Intolerable Acts were viewed as oppressive and fueled the growing sentiment for independence among the American colonists. They played a crucial role in shaping the events that would ultimately lead to the American Revolution.

First Continental Congress, 1774:

The First Continental Congress, also known as the First Philadelphia Convention, was a significant event in American history that took place in 1774. Here's an overview of the key aspects:

1. Purpose:
• The Congress was convened to address and find solutions for the grievances of the American colonies, particularly in response to the Intolerable Acts imposed by the British Parliament.
2. Delegates:
• Delegates from twelve of the Thirteen Colonies (excluding Georgia) gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Notable figures like George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Peyton Randolph were among the delegates.
3. Continental Association:
• One of the primary outcomes of Congress was the establishment of the Continental Association.
• This was a system devised to implement a coordinated trade boycott of British goods by the American colonies.
• It sought to exert economic pressure on Britain to address colonial grievances.
4. Declaration of Rights:
• The Congress adopted a Declaration of Rights, which outlined the fundamental rights of the American colonists.
• It asserted that the colonies had the inherent right to tax and govern themselves and that they should not be subjected to arbitrary British rule.
5. Non-Importation and Non-Exportation Agreements:
• The Congress endorsed non-importation and non-exportation agreements, urging colonists to refrain from importing British goods and to halt exports to Britain.
6. Adjournment and Future Plans:
• The Congress decided to adjourn, but it also agreed to reconvene in May 1775 if further action was deemed necessary.
7. Georgia's Absence:
• Georgia did not send delegates to the Congress because it was in the midst of conflicts with Native American tribes and was seeking British military assistance.
8. Impact:
• The First Continental Congress marked a significant step towards colonial unity and resistance against British policies.
• It laid the foundation for future congresses and ultimately played a crucial role in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

The First Continental Congress was a pivotal event that demonstrated the colonies' willingness to come together and take collective action in response to perceived injustices.