Continental Association

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Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, USA, May 2015

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Articles of Association

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Articles of Association, page 3

Continental Association

The Continental Association, often known simply as "The Association", was a system created by the First Continental Congress in 1774 for the purpose of implementing a trade boycott with Great Britain. The Association aimed to alter British policies towards the colonies without resorting to war, and it represented a significant step towards the eventual independence of the United States.

Background

The roots of the Continental Association lie in the growing discontent among the Thirteen Colonies over British rule. This discontent was fueled by various legislative acts imposed by the British Parliament, including the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, which levied taxes on the colonies without their consent. The situation escalated with the Boston Tea Party in 1773, a direct action by colonists against the Tea Act, leading to the implementation of the punitive Coercive Acts (also known as the Intolerable Acts) by the British government.

Formation

In response to the Coercive Acts, delegates from twelve of the Thirteen Colonies convened the First Continental Congress in September 1774 in Philadelphia. The Congress was tasked with formulating a collective response to the British policies. After much debate, it was decided that an economic boycott would be the most effective form of protest. On October 20, 1774, the Congress adopted the Continental Association, which called for an immediate halt in the importation, exportation, and consumption of goods from Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies.

Provisions

The Continental Association contained several key provisions:

• Non-importation of British goods starting December 1, 1774.
• Non-exportation to Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies starting in September 1775, unless grievances were redressed.
• Non-consumption of British goods effective March 1, 1775.

Local committees were established in the colonies to enforce these boycotts, demonstrating the growing unity and organizational capability among the colonists. These committees also played a significant role in the political mobilization of the American populace and the dissemination of patriot ideals.

Impact

The Continental Association was a critical step in the American journey towards independence. It was the first collective action taken by the colonies against British rule, and it significantly impacted the British economy. The boycotts not only hurt British merchants but also led to increased political pressure on the British government to amend its policies towards the colonies.

However, the Association also had its limitations. Enforcement of the boycotts was uneven, and not all colonists were willing to participate, particularly those who depended on British goods. Moreover, the British government did not respond with the concessions the Congress had hoped for, leading to further escalations that eventually culminated in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.

Legacy

The Continental Association is remembered as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States. It demonstrated the colonies' ability to unite and take collective action against British rule, setting the stage for their eventual independence.