The hardening of colonial opposition: the First Continental Congress; the creation of new state constitutions
By 1774, colonial opposition to Britain moved from protest to organised political action. Delegates from across the colonies met formally, and individual colonies began writing their own governing documents.
Real World
Virginia adopted its new state constitution in June 1776 — weeks before the Declaration of Independence — demonstrating that colonies were already building independent governing structures before formally breaking with Britain.
Exam Focus
Treat the First Continental Congress as a turning point: show how it transformed scattered local protests into coordinated inter-colonial political action.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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