What strategy did delegates use to prepare for potential conflict during the First Continental Congress?

During the First Continental Congress, delegates adopted a strategy of making military preparations and initiating a boycott of British goods as a means of preparing for potential conflict with Great Britain. This approach reflected their recognition of the escalating tensions and their desire for greater independence.

The decision to make military preparations was a response to the increasingly oppressive measures enacted by the British government, such as the Intolerable Acts, which had provoked outrage among the colonies. The delegates understood that if negotiations with Britain failed, the colonies needed to be ready to defend themselves. Thus, they began to organize local militias, which would serve as a defensive measure against any military actions that might be taken by British forces.

Simultaneously, the boycotting of British goods was not only a form of protest against taxation without representation but also a strategic economic tactic intended to weaken British economic interests. By reducing dependence on British imports, the colonies aimed to assert their economic autonomy and apply pressure on Britain to reconsider its policies.

This combination of military readiness and economic resistance showcased the delegates' commitment to independence and their willingness to take concrete steps in preparation for conflict, making it the correct strategy employed during this critical gathering.