Orangetown Resolutions facts for kids

The Orangetown Resolutions were important decisions made on July 4, 1774. This was exactly two years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. These resolutions were part of many protests across towns and counties. People were upset about unfair laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774. These laws were known as the Intolerable Acts.

The resolutions were agreed upon at the home of Yoast Mabie. This house was in Tappan, New York, in the town of Orangetown. It was located in Rockland County. The house was a Dutch colonial style building. It was torn down in 1835.

Why the Resolutions Were Made

The British Parliament passed several laws in 1774. The American colonists called these laws the "Intolerable Acts." They were meant to punish the people of Boston for the Boston Tea Party. These acts closed the port of Boston. They also took away some self-government rights from the colonies. Many colonists felt these laws were unfair. They believed their rights as British citizens were being ignored.

The Colonists' Response

Across the colonies, people held meetings. They wrote down their feelings and demands. These documents were called resolutions. The Orangetown Resolutions were one example of these protests. They showed that people in Orangetown were also very concerned. They wanted to make their voices heard by the British government.

What the Resolutions Said

The people of Orangetown met at Yoast Mabie's house. They agreed on several important points. These points showed their loyalty to the King. But they also showed their strong disagreement with the new laws.

Here are the main ideas from the resolutions:

• They wanted to stay loyal to King George III. They wished to be true subjects of Great Britain.
• They would support the King. But only if his actions followed the law. They wanted to defend his power in a fair way.
• They strongly disliked the new laws. These laws made them pay taxes. They also closed the port of Boston. The colonists felt these laws were unfair and harmful.
• They believed they had a duty to work for the repeal of these laws. They felt the laws hurt not only them but also people in Britain.
• They thought stopping all trade with Great Britain and the West Indies would help. They hoped this would make the British Parliament change the laws quickly.
• They really wanted peace and friendship to return. They wished for harmony between England and the colonies.
• They chose a committee of five gentlemen. These men would communicate with New York City. They would decide on actions needed to get the laws repealed. The committee members were Colonel Abraham Lent, John Haring, Thomas Outwater, Gardner Jones, and Peter T. Haring.

Importance of the Orangetown Resolutions

The Orangetown Resolutions were important. They showed that people in New York were joining the protest movement. They were part of a larger push for colonial rights. Many towns and counties wrote similar documents. These resolutions helped unite the colonies. They showed a growing desire for freedom. They also set the stage for the American Revolution.