What Was The Purpose of The Olive Branch Petition?
The purpose of the Olive Branch Petition was to solve the growing tensions between the Empire of Great Britain and the 13 colonies of North America through a diplomatic solution.
The Petition was the very last attempt from the 13 colonies’ side to avoid the Revolutionary War.
The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 5th, 1775, and sent it to the English authority on July 8th, 1775.
What Second Continental Congress Proposed Via The Olive Branch Petition?
Through sending the document, Congress showed their loyalty to the British crown.
In the document, they proposed Great Britain withdraw the five Intolerable Acts, which was, of course, the main culprit of all the growing tensions between these two sides.
Did English King George III And Parliament Accept It?
No, the English King George III and the Parliament didn’t accept it.
On the contrary, King George refused to read, considering it as a dishonor to the empire’s glory; and even, he declared colonists traitors.
Rejection from the King and Parliament’s side closed all the doors for calming down the tensions.
Patriots like John Adams used it as a push towards the 13 colonies’ independence.
Now, it was cleared that the Revolutionary War was inevitable. In August month, 1775, Congress formally declared rebellion by the Proclamation of Rebellion.
Did Congress’ Leaders Really Want To Solve The Crisis?
The Second Continental Congress’ leaders had different viewpoints over negotiating the tensions.
Though Congress’ some leaders wanted to solve the crisis; but at the same time, some didn’t.
Delegates like John Dickinson, John Hancock, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin were in favor to solve the matter through some negotiations; but delegates like John Adams, Patrick Henry wanted the 13 colonies’ full independence from Great Britain.
Did You Know?
1. Though, 13 colonies proposed English authority for solving the crisis; but interestingly, a week earlier, before sending the Olive Branch Petition, Continental Congress already issued the invasion of British Canada’s Quebec province.
2. Before, king’s rejection of the Olive Branch Petition, the majority of Congress’ delegates wanted reconciliation with the English authority. Only a few leaders, including John Adams, believed that the war was inevitable.
3. John Dickinson was the main author of the Olive Branch Petition. He never supported the 13 colonies’ full independence from Great Britain. Even, for this reason, Dickinson never signed in the Declaration of Independence.