Philadelphia, PA In October 1774, the First Continental Congress enacted a series of economic measures, collectively known as the Continental Association, which historians and constitutional scholars are re-examining as a pivotal, revolutionary act rather than mere political maneuvering. This coordinated economic shutdown, predating the Declaration of Independence, aimed to resist British imperial policies through non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreements. According to historical analysis, these measures were a direct response to the Coercive Acts imposed by the British Parliament, which included the closure of the Port of Boston. A 19-year-old Alexander Hamilton, in 1774, articulated the colonists' resolve, stating, "We are not such asses as to let them ride us as they please." The Continental Association sought to cripple the British economy by boycotting goods from Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, while simultaneously fostering local American industry and discouraging British cultural practices. The strategy was comprehensive, extending beyond mere trade restrictions. It included provisions to promote "Frugality, Economy, and Industry," and to discontinue "every Species of Extravagance and Dissipation," such as horse-racing, cock-fighting, and elaborate mourning dresses. This cultural boycott aimed to establish a virtuous American identity capable of enduring the impending conflict. The Continental Association also established local committees to enforce these boycotts, publicly shaming non-compliant individuals. Historians note the remarkable effectiveness of these committees, with British imports plummeting significantly in the first six months of 1775. This period of intense economic and social reorganization laid crucial groundwork for the eventual armed struggle, demonstrating the colonists' capacity for self-governance and collective action in defiance of royal authority.
On October 20th, 1774, the First Continental Congress passed the Continental Association, a coordinated economic shutdown in response to relentless a…
