The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia as a response to growing tensions between the American colonies and the British government. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies were present, with the exception of Georgia. The primary focus was to address the Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive measures imposed by Britain after the Boston Tea Party, which had galvanized colonial opposition. The Congress met at Carpenter's Hall, where representatives discussed strategies for collective action. Notably, the delegates agreed to form the Continental Association, which aimed to implement a boycott of British goods. The delegates expressed their solidarity and established a framework for future cooperation among the colonies. The discussions were intense, with influential figures such as George Washington, John Adams, and Samuel Adams advocating for varying degrees of resistance against British policies, highlighting the urgency of their predicament.

The Congress took place over several weeks, allowing ample time for deliberation and the airing of diverse opinions. The resolution for the colonies to prepare for a potential military response was a critical aspect of the meetings. A significant moment was Patrick Henry’s famous declaration, "Give me liberty, or give me death," which rallied support among the delegates for a more assertive stance against British policies. By the end of the Congress, the delegates had also sent a formal petition to King George III, outlining their grievances and requesting redress. This initial show of unity fostered a sense of American identity and laid the groundwork for future assemblies that would shape the course of the Revolutionary War.