Just a reminder... ​

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The First Continental Congress was ​held in September 1774 to discuss how to respond to the Intolerable Acts.

The Second Continental Congress wasn't too long after, in May of 1775. This time, it was to discuss the Battles of Lexington & Concord.

• May 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ​

• Divided over what to do next since the Battles of Lexington & Concord ​and the Battle of Bunker Hill

When and why did it happen?

Second Continental Congress

Second Continental Congress

They had some decisions to make...

• The colonies were divided about what to do next:

  • New England Colonies wanted independence, but the others were hesitant

• They called on colonial militias to take up arms (declare war)

  • They officially created the Continental Army

  • Appointed or chose George Washington to command them

• They created a document called the Olive Branch Petition

  • This was a plea for King George III to step in and make things right​

​https://youtu.be/qdFxPKXb8u8

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copy the link and pass it into your browser to watch the video​

​TCI L6 S2

​Olive Branch Petition

​The 2nd Continental Congress sent a letter to the King of England to extend an olive branch of peace. The king had already decided war was the only way to resolve the unruly colonies.

How did King George respond?​

• The colonists professed loyalty to the crown (yeah, you read that right!)

• They begged King George to stop all ​future violence between the Patriots & the Loyalists

  • King George refused because of the British victory at Bunker Hill ​

• In August of 1775, King George III officially claimed the colonies to be in rebellion

• It was adopted by the Continental Congress in July of 1775

• It was a final attempt to avoid war with Britain ​

What was it?

A bit more about the Olive Branch Petition...