Conciliatory Resolution

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The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a peaceful settlement with the Thirteen Colonies immediately prior to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.

In January 1775, Parliament considered petitions from the colonies in relation to the Intolerable Acts and discussed ways to resolve the crisis with the Thirteen Colonies. A proposal by William Pitt to recognize colonial self-government was rejected by the House of Lords. William Pitt moved for the withdraw of troops from Boston, but the motion was defeated. In February, Pitt presented a plan of conciliation based upon mutual concessions, but this was also rejected. On February 2, despite fierce opposition by some members of Parliament, New England was declared to be in rebellion. Lord North took the unexcepted role of conciliator for the drafting of a conciliatory resolution which was passed on February 20, 1775.

The Conciliatory Resolution declared that any colony that contributed to the common defense and provided support for the civil government and the administration of justice would be relived of paying taxes or duties except those necessary for the regulation of commerce.

This resolution was too little too late, the American Revolutionary War began at Lexington on April 19, 1775.