Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Colonies Unite! The Big Meeting Before the American Revolution — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet|

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. History reading passage explores the events leading up to the American Revolution, focusing on the First Continental Congress. Students will learn how colonial leaders united to address British laws and work together for their rights. The passage uses clear, student-friendly language and emphasizes themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving. Included are a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, a reading comprehension quiz, writing activities, a timeline, and relevant graphic organizers. A public domain image and a coloring page prompt further enhance the learning experience. This passage and its activities are aligned with C3 Framework and literacy standards, and it features both read aloud audio and Spanish translation to support diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Signing of Declaration of Independence by Armand-Dumaresq, c1873 - restored" by Charles Édouard Armand-Dumaresq /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The thirteen American colonies were separate places ruled by Britain. Each colony had its own leaders and laws. But as problems with Britain grew, the colonies began to understand they were stronger together.

In the 1750s and 1760s, Britain passed new taxes and laws that upset many colonists. Colonists had no say in these decisions. They felt these rules were unfair. Some colonies tried to protest alone, but this did not work. The British government was too powerful for just one colony to fight.

Benjamin Franklin, a leader from Pennsylvania, knew that unity was important. In 1754, he drew a cartoon of a snake cut into pieces. Each piece stood for a different colony. Under the snake were the words Join or Die. This cartoon meant that if the colonies did not work together, they could lose their freedom one by one.

By the 1770s, more colonists agreed that they needed to cooperate. They started to share news, ideas, and plans. They formed groups like the Committees of Correspondence. These groups helped the colonies talk to each other and make common decisions.

When Britain passed the Intolerable Acts in 1774, the colonies decided to unite. Leaders from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia. They called this meeting the First Continental Congress. They sent a message to Britain, asking for fair treatment. They also planned to stop buying British goods until the unfair laws were changed.

The colonists’ unity made them stronger. They learned that when they stood together, Britain had to listen. Soon, all thirteen colonies joined in the fight for freedom. Their shared cause and teamwork helped lead to the American Revolution and, finally, independence.

Interesting Fact: The phrase "Join or Die" became a symbol of colonial unity and was used again during the American Revolution to inspire people to work together.

Who drew the 'Join or Die' cartoon?

Benjamin FranklinGeorge WashingtonThomas JeffersonJohn Adams

What did the Intolerable Acts do?

Passed strict laws on coloniesGave colonies more rightsEnded all British taxesFreed all slaves

Where did the First Continental Congress meet?

PhiladelphiaBostonNew YorkLondon

Why did the colonies need to unite?

To be stronger togetherTo grow foodTo build shipsTo join Britain

What was the effect of colonial unity?

Colonists gained more powerColonies became weakerTaxes increasedColonists moved to England

What did 'Join or Die' mean?

Work together or lose freedomFight each otherMove to BritainGrow crops