Question

What was the main reason Americans waited for over a year after fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord to declare their independence? Many colonists remained loyal to Britain. It took 14 months for the colonies to ratify the Declaration of Independence. Colonists needed a year to prepare their military forces. The Continental Congress had determined not to declare independence until they were certain France would join them in an alliance.

Answer 1

"The Continental Congress had determined not to declare independence until they were certain France would join them in an alliance" would be the best option, since the colonists knew their chances of defeating Great Britain--the world's greatest super power--were incredibly slim.