Continental Association

Definition

The Continental Association was an agreement among the American colonies in 1774 to impose an economic boycott against Britain and its goods in response to increasing British colonial policies. This association aimed to unify the colonies in their resistance against British rule and to create a coordinated effort to protest actions such as the Intolerable Acts. By establishing a collective economic stance, the Continental Association became a crucial step toward greater unity among the colonies and laid the groundwork for the subsequent First Continental Congress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Continental Association was established in October 1774 during the First Continental Congress as a direct response to the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain.
2. It called for a complete boycott of British goods, encouraging American colonists to produce their own goods and become economically independent.
3. The association helped unify the colonies by promoting coordinated resistance efforts, which included forming local committees to enforce the boycott.
4. Colonial leaders used the Continental Association to rally support among colonists, raising awareness about British abuses and fostering a sense of shared identity.
5. The success of the Continental Association set a precedent for future collective actions, leading eventually to more organized efforts against British rule, culminating in the Revolutionary War.

Review Questions

• How did the Continental Association influence colonial unity and resistance against British policies?
  • The Continental Association significantly influenced colonial unity by establishing a framework for coordinated resistance against British policies. It encouraged colonies to work together through economic boycotts and local enforcement committees, creating a sense of shared purpose. This collective action not only helped to unify disparate colonial interests but also fostered communication and collaboration among colonies, which was essential for organizing effective resistance.
• Analyze how the establishment of the Continental Association can be seen as a turning point in colonial responses to British rule.
  • The establishment of the Continental Association marked a crucial turning point in colonial responses to British rule by transitioning from isolated protests to a more organized and unified front. This collective action demonstrated that the colonies were willing to challenge British authority on a larger scale, signaling a shift from mere dissatisfaction to active resistance. The association set the stage for subsequent events like the First Continental Congress, further solidifying colonial cooperation and paving the way for independence.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Continental Association on American political culture and its role in shaping future movements for independence.
  • The long-term impacts of the Continental Association on American political culture were profound, as it established principles of collective action and grassroots organization that would resonate throughout future movements for independence. By fostering an environment where colonists learned to coordinate efforts against perceived injustices, it laid the groundwork for democratic practices that emphasized citizen involvement and activism. This experience contributed significantly to the emergence of republican ideals and helped shape a national identity rooted in resistance and self-determination, ultimately influencing future democratic movements in America.

Related terms

Committees of Correspondence: These were shadow governments formed by the colonies to coordinate responses to British policies and to communicate between colonies about resistance efforts.

Non-importation Agreements: These were agreements among merchants and colonial associations to stop importing certain British goods as a form of protest against taxation and trade restrictions.

First Continental Congress: This was a gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in 1774, convened to respond to the Intolerable Acts and to create a united front against British policies.