What was the aim of the First Continental Congress?

The aim of the First Continental Congress was primarily to organize colonial resistance against British rule. Convened in 1774 in response to growing tensions following a series of punitive measures enacted by the British government—particularly the Intolerable Acts—the Congress brought together delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies (excluding Georgia) to discuss their concerns and coordinate a collective response.

The delegates sought to articulate their grievances and assert their rights while fostering unity among the colonies. Through documents like the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, they expressed opposition to various British policies, aiming to compel the British government to reconsider its approach to colonial governance. This resistance was not yet a push for full independence, as independence was not formally declared until several years later with the Second Continental Congress.

In contrast, declaring independence from Britain was the goal of the Second Continental Congress, which took place in 1775, after tensions escalated into armed conflict. The Articles of Confederation were established later as a framework for governance among the states, and establishing a monetary system was not a focus of the First Continental Congress. The primary emphasis of the Congress was clearly on uniting colonial efforts to resist British policies and support mutual interests among the colonies.