The initial assembly of delegates from twelve of the thirteen British colonies in North America took place in Philadelphia in 1774. This gathering was a direct response to the Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament following the Boston Tea Party. Representatives from each colony, except Georgia, convened to discuss grievances and formulate a unified response to British policies.
This event proved crucial in solidifying colonial unity and resistance against British rule. It marked a significant step towards the American Revolution by establishing a formal body for intercolonial communication and coordination. The delegates adopted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, asserting colonial rights and demanding redress from the British Crown. They also agreed to a non-importation agreement, boycotting British goods as a form of economic pressure.