In response to British control of Boston in 1775, the colonists organized the First Continental Congress, issued a declaration of rights, and resisted British military presence, actions which contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.
Explanation:Response to British Control of Boston in 1775
In 1775, in response to the increasingly assertive British control over Boston and the punitive measures such as the Coercive Acts, the colonists took several actions. The Coercive Acts, passed by the Parliament to punish Boston for the Tea Party, virtually abolished local governance and closed the port, crippling the economy. This led to widespread outrage and the organization of the First Continental Congress, which issued a declaration of rights and grievances against British policies. The Massachusetts Circular was created, gaining Parliament's attention, but their response was to reinforce their stance by sending troops to assert British power. Tensions escalated, especially after instances of violence such as the Boston Massacre, and eventually led to the open conflict at Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolution.
The presence of British troops intended to restore order and enforce British legislation, resulted in further alienation and protest from the colonists. The strategic response from the British, which included isolating New England from the other colonies and capturing key cities, initially saw successes like the capture of New York City and Philadelphia. However, their strategy ultimately failed with their surrender at the Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolutionary War that led to increased international support for the American cause.