How the Intolerable Acts United the Colonies — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.5-6
D2.HIS.2.5-6
RI.5.3
RI.5.4
W.5.2

About This Reader

This engaging history reading passage explores how the Intolerable Acts, a series of strict British laws, brought the American colonies together and led to the First Continental Congress. Students will learn about the Boston Tea Party, the British response, and how colonial leaders worked to protect their rights. The passage emphasizes themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving, and is structured to support both literacy and historical understanding. Aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, the resource includes a glossary of key vocabulary, an interactive quiz, writing prompts, a timeline of major events, and a graphic organizer activity. The passage is available with read aloud audio and a Spanish translation, making it accessible for a wide range of learners. Keywords include Intolerable Acts, American Revolution, and First Continental Congress.

CONTENT PREVIEW

boston revolution — Intolerable Acts punished Boston for the Tea Party with strict British laws (1774).

The Intolerable Acts were a set of strict laws passed by Britain in 1774. These laws were made to punish the city of Boston after the Boston Tea Party. The British government wanted to show the colonists who was in charge.

In December 1773, angry colonists threw British tea into Boston Harbor. They were protesting a tax on tea. The British King and Parliament were shocked. They decided to make new rules to stop more protests. These rules are called the Intolerable Acts because colonists thought they were unfair and harsh.

The Intolerable Acts closed Boston’s busy harbor. No ships could bring food or goods to the city. People could not trade. The British also ordered that colonists must let British soldiers stay in their homes. They took away the right for groups to meet and make decisions. Colonists lost control of their local government.

Many people in Boston struggled to get food. Other colonies learned what happened. Instead of turning away, they helped Boston. They sent food, supplies, and letters of support. Leaders from different colonies began to talk to each other. They realized they needed to work together.

In September 1774, colonial leaders met in Philadelphia. This meeting was called the First Continental Congress. Leaders from twelve colonies came. Only Georgia was missing. They discussed how to deal with the Intolerable Acts. Patrick Henry, a leader from Virginia, said, “I am not a Virginian, but an American!”

The Congress decided to send a letter to King George III. They asked him to take back the harsh laws. They also agreed to stop buying British goods until the laws were changed. The colonies promised to support each other. This was the first time the colonies acted as one group. It was a big step toward becoming a new nation.

The Intolerable Acts were meant to scare the colonists. Instead, they made the colonies stronger and more united. The First Continental Congress showed that people could solve problems by working together. This spirit would help them later in the American Revolution.

Interesting Fact: The First Continental Congress met in secret because they feared British spies were watching them.

What were the Intolerable Acts?

Strict British laws for the coloniesColonial celebrationsShip-building rulesA tea tax

Why did Britain pass new laws in 1774?

To punish Boston for the Tea PartyTo help Boston growTo lower taxesTo make new friends

Where did the First Continental Congress meet?

PhiladelphiaBostonLondonNew York

What happened after the Intolerable Acts closed Boston's harbor?

Other colonies sent helpColonists celebratedPeople moved awayBritain sent gifts

How did the colonies respond to the Intolerable Acts?

They united and worked togetherThey ignored the lawsThey left AmericaThey joined Britain

Why did leaders meet in secret?