In September 1774, the first Continental Congress, a meeting of colonial leader who opposed British oppression in the colonies was held in Philadelphia. These leader who opposed British oppression in the colonies, was held in Philadelphia. These leaders urged Americans to disobey the Intolerable Acts and to boycott British trade.They also drew up a protest against those laws and issued a petition to George Ⅲ. At the same time, the colonists began to organize militias and collect and store weapons and ammunition in order to defend themselves. In May 1775, a second continental congress met in Philadelphia and began to assume the functions of a national government. It founded a Continental Army and Navy under the command of George Washington and prepped to fight for their freedom and independence.