In 1774, the thirteen American colonies were separate, but simmering with shared anger. In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain had passed what the colonists called the Coercive Acts, closing Boston’s busy port and dissolving its government. To decide what to do, 56 delegates from twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia. Among them was a Virginian delegate named George Washington. Meeting at Carpenters' Hall, they formed the First Continental Congress. They weren't yet demanding independence, but they drafted a 'Declaration of Rights and Grievances,' insisting they had the same rights as any Englishman. They also created a total boycott of British goods. If their demands weren't met, they agreed to meet again, a promise that put them on a path to war.
The American Revolution
The American Revolution from the First Continental Congress in 1774, through the Declaration of Independence and the French alliance, to Yorktown, the Treaty of Paris and Washington's resignation.
The Carpenters' Hall
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the American colonies declare independence?
The Declaration of Independence listed 27 specific grievances against King George III. These included imposing taxes without colonial consent, quartering large bodies of troops among the population, and dissolving local legislatures. The document argued these actions violated the colonists' fundamental rights, justifying a permanent break from British rule.
Was George Washington paid to lead the Continental Army?
No, George Washington famously refused a salary when appointed commander-in-chief in 1775. He asked only that the Continental Congress cover his expenses during the war. This act demonstrated his personal commitment to the revolutionary cause.
How did France help the Americans win the war?
France provided crucial military and financial aid. After the American victory at Saratoga, France formally allied with the U.S. in 1778. They contributed an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors, and their naval fleet was essential in trapping the British army at Yorktown.
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