Question

Which of the following best explains why the continental congress sent the olive branch petition to the English king

Answer 1

Answer: A. The colonies were trying to re-establish peace with Great Britain and avoid further fighting.

Explanation:

The American Colonists did not want to go to war with King George III of England and Britain at the time because they believed that the abusive acts that Parliament had imposed on them, was done without his consent and that he would come to their defence if they went directly to him.

They therefore in 1775, sent the Olive branch petition to King George to re-establish peace with Great Britain and avoid further fighting which they were sure would lead to numerous deaths as well as to avoid rebellion to the King whom they still longed to be subjects of.

When the King refused to even read the petition, it then occurred to the Colonists that Parliament was acting with royal consent which then made them angry with the King such that they blamed him for their secession in the Declaration of Independence.