The First Continental Congress and The Battles of Lexington and Concord

The First Continental Congress  In response to the Intolerable Acts, colonial leaders from 12 colonies came to Philadelphia to hold a congress.  The congress passed a resolution which backed Massachusetts and called for a boycott on all British goods.  They also stopped exporting goods until Britain repealed the Intolerable Acts.

The First Continental Congress cont.  The delegates urged each colony to set up and train their own militia.  Militia – an army of citizens who serve as soldiers during and emergency.  Before leaving Philadelphia, the delegates agreed to meet again the following May.

The Colonists Prepare for War  In Massachusetts, people known as Minutemen were able to assemble and fight at a moments notice.  Many colonists started to stockpile weapons and ammunition.

Lexington and Concord (April 19 th 1775)  General Thomas Gage received a report that there was a large amount of weapons being stored in Concord, which is about 18 miles from Boston.  On April 18 th, Gen. Gage sent 700 troops to Concord.

Lexington and Concord TTTThe Sons of Liberty were watching the British. TTTThey hung two lamps in the Old North Church to signal when the British were on the move. TTTThe signals – One if by Land, Two if by Sea MMMMessengers rode their horses into the night. PPPPaul Revere rode his horse while shouting “The British are Coming, The British are Coming”

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