The First Continental Congress convenes in September 1774, consisting of representatives from each of the colonies, to serve as a vehicle for deliberation and collective action.

During secret debates, conservative Joseph Galloway proposes the creation of a colonial Parliament that would be able to approve or disapprove of acts of the British Parliament, but his idea is not accepted.

The Congress instead endorses the proposal of John Adams that Americans will obey Parliament voluntarily but will resist all taxes in disguise.

Congress calls for a boycott beginning on December 1, 1774 of all British goods; it is enforced by new committees authorized by the Congress.