Committee of Correspondence

Definition

The Committees of Correspondence were shadow governments organized by Patriot leaders in the Thirteen Colonies on the eve of American Revolution. They coordinated responses to Britain and shared their plans; they networked colonial opposition against British rule.

Analogy

Imagine if you and your friends across different schools wanted to coordinate a synchronized protest against unfair school policies. You'd probably create a group chat or email chain where you could share ideas, plan actions, and keep everyone updated - this is similar to what Committees of Correspondence did!

Related terms

Sons of Liberty: A secret revolutionary organization founded by Samuel Adams in the Thirteen American Colonies to advance rights of European colonists and fight taxation by British government.

Stamp Act: An act passed by British Parliament in 1765 that imposed direct tax on colonies requiring many printed materials be produced on stamped paper produced in London.

Townshend Acts: Series of acts passed beginning in 1767 by Parliament relating to British colonies, purpose was raise revenue in colonies pay salaries governors who relied on colonial assemblies.