Lesson 4: A Call to Arms

Key Idea

In response to Britain's harsh policies, leaders from twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia in 1774. This meeting, known as the First Continental Congress, marked a major step toward colonial unity. The delegates were determined to challenge British authority together.

The Congress called for a widespread boycott of British goods to pressure Parliament. It also endorsed the Suffolk Resolves, a bold declaration from Massachusetts. These resolves stated that the Coercive Acts were illegal and encouraged colonists to form militias and arm themselves for protection.

Key Idea

Following the First Continental Congress, colonists knew that conflict with Britain was a real possibility. They began to prepare for a fight by training soldiers and stockpiling weapons.

Across the colonies, towns organized militias, which were groups of citizen soldiers. Some of the most dedicated members were called minutemen because they pledged to be ready to fight at a minute’s notice.

Key Idea

After the First Continental Congress, tensions were high. On April 19, 1775, British troops marched to seize colonial weapons stored at Concord. Warned by riders, colonial minutemen—militia ready to fight at a moment's notice—confronted the British at Lexington, where the first shots were fired.

The fighting at Lexington and Concord became the first battle of the American Revolution. In response, colonial leaders met and decided to form a unified army to face the British. This new force was called the Continental Army, and George Washington was chosen to lead it.

Key Idea

After the first shots of the war, colonial militias surrounded the British in Boston. To gain an advantage, the colonists fortified hills overlooking the city.

The British army attacked these defenses in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The colonists fought fiercely, forcing the British to charge the hill three times. The Americans only retreated after they ran out of ammunition.