This is the second in a series.

As 1774 was drawing to a close, the future course of relations between Great Britain and her American colonies was reaching a breaking point.

In October, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and proposed an economic boycott of British goods, which it was hoped would force a repeal of the harsh acts passed to punish Boston for the famous tea party.

To enforce the boycott, local citizens were urged to band together and form associations.