Committees of Correspondence v2

1. Committees o f Correspondence

2. What were they? Groups of individuals organized by government Coordinated written communication outside of colony Lead the way towards coordinated action and decision-making between the colonies.

3. The Original Established by Samuel Adams Worked with rural patriots Enabled all of Massachusetts to have access to patriot texts Promoted the establishment of more such committees

4. Responsibilities Spread written material and information around Seaport citizens were more informed than those in inland towns Sometimes assisted in other things, e.g. Boston Tea Party

5. Development Established as an official committee by Virginia government, 1773 Each colony now had central committee that coordinated discussion with other colonies First step towards a congress

6. Overview Important forerunner to colonies’ cooperation 1 st committee that brought the colonies together for decision-making A step towards representative government – colonies unite