First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in North America that took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from September 5th to October 26th, 1774. It was convened as a response to the oppressive policies imposed by Great Britain against its American colonies and served as an important event leading up to the Revolutionary War.
The primary purpose of the First Continental Congress was for colonial representatives to discuss their grievances with British rule and decide upon a unified course of action towards resolution. After two months of deliberation, it concluded with the adoption of several resolutions demanding that Britain repeal all acts that infringed upon colonial rights and liberties, including taxation, without representation. The delegates also agreed not to import any goods or services from Britain until those demands were met, which resulted in what became known as "non-importation" agreements among many merchants throughout the colonies. Additionally, they formed an association called The Association, or United Colonies, later referred to simply as "the continental congress". This organization provided support through supplies and funds for local militia units should hostilities break out between them and British forces during this time period.
Ultimately, these efforts proved unsuccessful at resolving tensions between Britain and her American colonies, largely in part because King George III refused most, if not all, requests put forth by The Association (Continental Congress). In April 1775, however, events escalated when skirmishes broke out between British troops sent into the Massachusetts Bay Colony, followed shortly thereafter by open warfare on April 19th, resulting in what we now know today as our nation's birth: independence from England.