The First Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in September 1774, responding to growing unrest in the American colonies due to the British Parliament's Intolerable Acts. These punitive measures, enacted in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed to punish Massachusetts and restore order following colonial dissent. By October 14, the Congress had firmly positioned itself against these acts, advocating for a boycott of British goods and establishing a united front among the colonies.

The Congress included notable figures such as George Washington, John Adams, and Patrick Henry, who discussed the dire implications of the Intolerable Acts on colonial autonomy and the welfare of the American people. Delegates debated various courses of action, ultimately arriving at a declaration that not only condemned the Intolerable Acts but also called upon the colonies to support each other in resisting British tyranny. It was during these discussions that the seeds of American unity and resistance were planted firmly in the minds of the colonial representatives.

The Congress also fostered the idea of creating a Continental Association, which aimed to enforce the boycott of British goods and services until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. The decisions and resolutions put forth by the Congress energized the colonial resistance and inspired grassroots organizing across the colonies, laying crucial groundwork for the American Revolution that would follow. This pivotal moment in time represented a significant shift from colonial loyalty to open defiance against British rule, marking a turning point in colonial history.