Continental association

Definition

The continental association was a significant network of agreements and cooperation among the American colonies established in response to British economic policies and restrictions prior to the American Revolution. It aimed to unify the colonies in their resistance against British taxation and trade restrictions, showcasing a collective approach to economic and political issues, which played a crucial role in fostering a sense of American identity and independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The continental association was formally established in 1774 as a response to the Intolerable Acts, which were punitive measures taken by Britain against Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party.
2. It included a boycott of British goods, urging colonists to produce their own products and support local economies, thus strengthening economic ties among the colonies.
3. The association also aimed to foster unity and solidarity among the colonies, helping to build a collective identity that transcended regional differences.
4. The establishment of the continental association marked a significant step towards self-governance, as it encouraged colonies to form their own local governing bodies and committees for enforcement.
5. The continental association laid the groundwork for subsequent actions leading up to the American Revolution, including the Second Continental Congress and ultimately the Declaration of Independence.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the continental association reflect the economic tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain?
  • The continental association was a direct response to escalating economic tensions caused by British policies like the Intolerable Acts. By uniting the colonies in a collective boycott of British goods, it showcased their refusal to accept unfair taxation and trade restrictions. This unified action not only reflected their frustration with Britain's economic control but also highlighted a growing sense of shared identity among the colonies as they began to see themselves as part of a larger movement for independence.
• In what ways did the continental association contribute to the political organization and mobilization of the colonies leading up to the American Revolution?
  • The continental association played a crucial role in politically organizing the colonies by encouraging local assemblies and committees to enforce the boycott against British goods. It effectively coordinated actions among diverse colonial communities, fostering communication through Committees of Correspondence. This mobilization not only strengthened grassroots resistance but also laid the foundation for more formal political structures, such as the First Continental Congress, ultimately pushing towards full-scale revolution.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the continental association on American political identity and independence after its establishment in 1774.
  • The continental association had lasting effects on American political identity by promoting notions of self-governance, collective action, and economic independence. As it unified various colonial regions against a common adversary, it helped cultivate a shared sense of purpose that transcended individual colonial interests. This sense of solidarity became crucial during later revolutionary efforts, contributing to a growing desire for independence that culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and shaped the foundation of democratic governance in the United States.

Related terms

Non-importation agreements: Pacts among colonial merchants and consumers to boycott British goods as a form of protest against taxation and trade regulations imposed by Britain.

First Continental Congress: A meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in 1774 that coordinated a response to the Intolerable Acts and discussed colonial grievances.

Committees of Correspondence: A system of communication among the colonies that allowed for the exchange of information and strategies regarding resistance against British policies.