The First Continental Congress — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the First Continental Congress, a key event leading up to the American Revolution. Students will learn how colonial leaders from across the thirteen colonies met in 1774 to discuss British laws and work together for their rights. The passage highlights important figures, the reasons for unity, and the outcomes of this historic meeting. Designed to build foundational literacy skills, the passage uses grade-appropriate language, simple sentence structure, and includes a glossary of key terms. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and graphic organizers to encourage historical thinking. The passage also comes with read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation for accessibility. Aligned to C3 Framework standards D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, and Common Core standards RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2, this resource is perfect for building students’ understanding of early American history and the roots of independence.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Continental Congress prayer" by From official brochure (posted online) of the Office of the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in Philadelphia. This meeting was very important in American history. The thirteen colonies wanted to talk about problems with British laws. Many colonists were upset about new taxes and rules. They believed these laws were unfair and took away their rights.

In the spring of 1774, the British government passed the Coercive Acts. Colonists called them the "Intolerable Acts." These laws made life harder for people in Boston and other colonies. For example, the British closed the port of Boston. This meant no ships could bring food or supplies.

Leaders from twelve colonies decided to meet and find a solution. Only Georgia did not send a delegate. The meeting began in September 1774. The men who went were called delegates. Some famous delegates included George Washington, John Adams, and Patrick Henry.

The delegates met in a large room at Carpenters’ Hall. They talked about the best way to respond to the British. Patrick Henry said, "The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American." This showed how the colonies were coming together.

The First Continental Congress made important decisions. They wrote a letter to King George III. In the letter, they asked the king to end the unfair laws. They also agreed to stop buying goods from Britain until the laws changed. This was called a boycott.

The Congress also told each colony to start training militias. These were groups of local men ready to defend their towns. The delegates promised to meet again if the king did not help.

The First Continental Congress ended in October 1774. The delegates returned home. They waited to see what the king would do. Their actions showed bravery and unity. The meeting helped the colonies work together for their freedom.

Interesting Fact: Some delegates traveled hundreds of miles on horseback or by carriage to reach Philadelphia for this meeting.

Where did the First Continental Congress meet?

PhiladelphiaBostonNew YorkLondon

What year did the meeting take place?

1774178317651800

Which colony did NOT send a delegate?

GeorgiaVirginiaMassachusettsPennsylvania

Why did the colonies hold the Congress?

Unfair British lawsTo celebrateTo write a new lawTo visit England

What did the delegates decide to do?

Boycott British goodsMove to EnglandClose all schoolsStart a new colony

What is the effect of the Intolerable Acts?