1st Continental Congress

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, 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.)

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.

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")