Would you speak up if you thought a rule was unfair? In the 1770s, the American colonies belonged to Great Britain. King George III made laws from across the Atlantic Ocean. Many colonists were angry. They had to pay taxes on tea, paper, and other goods. But they had no voice in the government. Leaders from twelve colonies traveled to Philadelphia. They met in a building called Carpenters' Hall. This gathering was called the First Continental Congress. For seven weeks, the delegates discussed what to do. Some wanted to fight right away. Others hoped to solve the problem peacefully. They decided to write a letter to King George. The letter listed their grievances and asked for fair treatment. They also agreed to stop buying British goods. On October 7, 1774, the Congress ended. The delegates promised to meet again if things did not improve. The king ignored their letter. Within two years, the colonies declared independence.