Committee of Correspondence

Definition

The Committee of Correspondence was a network of communication established among the American colonies in the early 1770s to coordinate responses to British policies and promote resistance against taxation without representation. These committees played a crucial role in uniting the colonies by sharing information and mobilizing public opinion against British rule, laying the groundwork for future revolutionary actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Committee of Correspondence was formed in Massachusetts in 1772, led by Samuel Adams to facilitate communication regarding British actions and promote colonial unity.
2. Committees of Correspondence served as an early form of grassroots organizing, allowing ordinary colonists to engage in political discussions and coordinate protests against British rule.
3. By 1774, nearly all colonies had established their own Committees of Correspondence, creating a widespread network that helped organize events like the Continental Congress.
4. These committees were instrumental in spreading revolutionary ideas and fostering a sense of shared identity among the colonies, essential for collective action against Britain.
5. The Committee of Correspondence laid the foundation for future forms of communication during the American Revolution, significantly influencing the development of American political discourse.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee of Correspondence facilitate communication among the colonies in response to British policies?
  • The Committee of Correspondence created a structured network that allowed colonial leaders and ordinary citizens to share information about British actions and strategies for resistance. By exchanging letters and coordinating efforts, these committees effectively kept the colonies informed and united in their opposition to taxation without representation. This grassroots organizing empowered communities to mobilize collectively, laying the groundwork for more organized resistance efforts like protests and eventual revolutionary actions.
• Evaluate the impact of the Committee of Correspondence on colonial unity leading up to the American Revolution.
  • The Committee of Correspondence significantly enhanced colonial unity by providing a platform for communication and collaboration across various regions. As more colonies established their committees, it fostered a shared sense of purpose and identity among colonists who were increasingly frustrated with British rule. This unity was crucial in organizing collective actions such as protests and later contributed to the establishment of the First Continental Congress, which further consolidated colonial efforts against Britain.
• Analyze how the actions taken by the Committee of Correspondence reflect broader themes of resistance and self-governance during the period leading up to independence.
  • The activities of the Committee of Correspondence epitomize key themes of resistance and self-governance that characterized the lead-up to American independence. By forming these committees, colonists exercised their right to organize against perceived injustices, directly challenging British authority. This grassroots movement exemplified a growing desire for autonomy, as colonists began to see themselves as capable of self-organization and decision-making independent from Britain. Such actions not only paved the way for more radical forms of resistance but also established precedents for democratic governance that would shape the future United States.

Related terms

Sons of Liberty:

A secret organization formed in the colonies to oppose British policies and tax measures, known for its activism and protests against taxation without representation.

Boston Tea Party:

A protest organized by the Sons of Liberty in 1773, where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor as a response to the Tea Act and taxation without representation.

First Continental Congress:

A gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in 1774 to address colonial grievances and coordinate a response to British actions, leading to increased unity among the colonies.