Episode 11 — The Suffolk Resolves (September 1774)

A convention of Suffolk County delegates meeting at Dr. Samuel Williams's house in Milton declares the Coercive Acts unconstitutional, calls for a complete halt to trade with Britain, and urges the colonies to organize their militias. Drafted by Joseph Warren with John Adams's help, the Resolves are endorsed unanimously by the First Continental Congress two weeks later — becoming the de facto policy of the united colonies before anyone has declared independence.