Page 29 - ASM Book 9/2020

CI oercive Acts Provided Ammunition
n reaction to the Boston Tea Party, Parliament enacted the Coercive Acts. The five acts were intended to punish the Bostonians for the Tea Party, for “unlawful” actions against British authority, and to restore order.
• MARCH 31 - The Boston Port Act closed the Boston Port until the East India Tea Company was reimbursed for the tea destroyed during the Tea Party.
• MAY 20 - The Massachusetts Government Act suspended the Massachusetts Charter of 1691; instituted a military government; forbade town meetings without approval; and made the governor’s council a crown appointed body.
• MAY 20 - The Administration of Justice Act provided protection for British officials charged with crimes while on duty. • JUNE 2 - The Quartering Act required each colony to
provide housing, food and basic needs for British soldiers in private homes and uninhabited buildings.
• JUNE 22 - The Quebec Act reestablished Quebec’s borders
and granted it land in the Ohio Country; established a framework of government; restored French civil law; and granted freedom of religion to Roman Catholics.
The Coercive Acts provided ammunition for the growing unrest in the colonies and an increased desire for independence.
DTelegates From 12 Colonies Met in Philadelphia
he first meeting of representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies was held on September 5, 1774, in Philadelphia at Carpenters’ Hall. Fifty-six delegates attended the First Continental Congress. Georgia did not send representatives. The delegates met to provide a unified response to Parliament’s passage of the Coercive Acts, which they believed were an infringement on the rights of all American colonists.
During its seven-week session, Congress issued a Declaration of Rights that affirmed America’s loyalty to the British Crown, but protested the Coercive Acts and disputed Parliament’s right to tax the colonies. It also passed the Articles of Association that called for the colonies not to import British goods beginning on December 1, 1774.
The Continental Congress assumed the role of coordinator
for America’s resistance against
the King and Parliament’s rule; provided liaison with Great Britain; and sought military and financial assistance from foreign governments.
The Congress adjourned on October 26.
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