March 31
March 31
Parliament passes the Boston Port Act
On March 31, 1774, British Parliament passes the Boston Port Act, closing the port of Boston and demanding that the city’s residents pay for the nearly $1 million worth (in…
A Year In History: 1774
Also Within This Year in History:
1774
The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in 1774, with 12 of the original 13 colonies in attendance, and agreed to a boycott of British goods. Louis XVI became king of France, beginning a reign that would end in 1793 with the French Revolution and his execution by guillotine. In England, scientist, philosopher and theologian Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen gas as one component of air.
April 5
April 5
Benjamin Franklin writes “An Open Letter to Lord North”
On April 5, 1774, Benjamin Franklin writes an open letter to Great Britain’s prime minister, Frederick, Lord North, from the Smyrna Coffee House in London. It was published in The…
May 20
May 20
King George III approves the Coercive Acts in response to the Boston Tea Party
Upset by the Boston Tea Party and other blatant acts of destruction of British property by American colonists, King George III of England gives his royal consent to three out…
June 2
June 2
Parliament completes the Coercive Acts with the Quartering Act
On June 2, 1774, the British Parliament renews the Quartering Act. The Quartering Act, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Government Act, the Administration of Justice Act and the Boston Port…
August 28
August 28
St. Elizabeth born in New York City
Elizabeth Ann Bayley is born in New York City on August 28, 1774. She went on to found the first Catholic school and the first female apostolic community in the…
September 5
September 5
First Continental Congress convenes
In response to the British Parliament’s enactment of the Coercive Acts in the American colonies, the first session of the Continental Congress convenes at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia. Fifty‑six delegates…
October 20
October 20
Congress creates the Continental Association
On October 20, 1774, the First Continental Congress creates the Continental Association, which calls for a complete ban on all trade between America and Great Britain of all goods, wares…
October 26
October 26
Congress petitions British king to address grievances
On October 26, 1774, the First Continental Congress sends a respectful petition to King George III to inform his majesty that if it had not been for the acts of…
