The Olive Branch Petition

Definition

The Olive Branch Petition was a document sent by the First Continental Congress to King George III in 1775, as an attempt to reconcile with Great Britain and avoid further conflict. It expressed loyalty to the king while also asserting the rights of the colonists.

Related terms

Second Continental Congress: The Second Continental Congress convened after The Olive Branch Petition and eventually declared independence from Great Britain.

Common Sense: A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence and influenced public opinion.

Declaration of Independence: A document issued by the Second Continental Congress in 1776 declaring the United States' independence from Great Britain.