ID: Committees of Correspondence
When: 1764-1776 (intensified after the Stamp Act of 1765)
Who:
- Colonial leaders and merchants in various colonies (e.g., Samuel Adams in Massachusetts)
- Initially local, then expanded into intercolonial networks
What:
Networks of communication established by patriot leaders in the thirteen American colonies. These committees exchanged letters and information about British policies and colonial grievances, fostering a sense of unity and collective action against British rule. They organized boycotts, disseminated propaganda, and coordinated resistance efforts.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Increased Colonial Unity: Facilitated communication and cooperation among the colonies, fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose in opposition to British policies.
- Spread of Propaganda: Disseminated information and pamphlets that fueled anti-British sentiment and mobilized colonial resistance.
- Coordination of Resistance: Organized boycotts of British goods and coordinated colonial responses to British actions.
- Early Steps Towards Revolution: Played a crucial role in escalating tensions with Britain and laying the groundwork for the American Revolution. Their actions helped create a sense of shared grievance and collective purpose that proved essential in the eventual decision to declare independence.
- Foundation of Revolutionary Organization: The committees served as a precursor to the Continental Congress, demonstrating the capacity for colonial cooperation on a larger scale.