1st Continental Congress

1st Continental Congress

Philadelphia

• Delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss what to do about British actions against the Colonies.

• This Congress gave the delegates a chance to get to know one another for the first time in person.

• Some delegates were Patriots, some were Loyalists, and some were still undecided, or Neutral.

Patrick Henry

• Patrick Henry, a leader from Virginia, urged the Delegates to come together as one people. "I am not a Virginian," he declared, "but an American."

• This point of view was not widely shared...yet.

• Patrick Henry would later become famous with a rousing speech where said: "Give me Liberty...or Give me Death!"

• (That should make it clear how important Freedom and protection of certain Rights were to the Patriotic colonists.)

Message to the King

• The Delegates decided to send the King a message asking him to restore and respect their rights.

• They also agreed to Boycott British trade if their demands were not met.

• Lastly, the Delegates agreed to meet again if these tactics failed.

Colonial Militia

• The Colonies formed armed Militias in order to enforce the Boycott.

• They trained volunteers to be ready to fight at a moment's notice (some were called "Minutemen")

Multiple Choice

Who were the 'Minutemen'?

• Superbowl Champions

• Colonists who were ready to fight at a moment's notice

• British Soldiers

• Colonists who would be ready to fight in two hours

Multiple Choice

How many people were sent to the First Continental Congress?

• 9

• 10

• 11

• 12

Multiple Choice

What city held the First Continental Congress?

• Philadelphia

• New York City

• Baltimore

• Los Angeles

Multiple Choice

Who said "Give me liberty, or give me death!"?

• George Washington

• Patrick Henry

• John Adams

• Mr Shapiro