Final answer:
The Continental Congress demanded independence in 1776 because reconciliation with Britain appeared unfeasible after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the influence of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense', and the likelihood of securing foreign aid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Members of the Continental Congress Demanded Full Independence in 1776
In 1776, many members of the Continental Congress began to demand full independence from Britain due, in large part, to several key factors.
The actual fighting with British troops which began with the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord had demonstrated that reconciliation with Britain was increasingly untenable.
The publication of Thomas Paine's Common Sense provided a powerful argument for independence, offering 'simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense' about the condition of the colonies under British rule.
Additionally, the possibility of securing foreign aid was a significant motivation for declaring independence, as foreign nations were more likely to assist a people fighting for their sovereignty than rebels within an empire.
The recommendation on May 10 for the colonies to adopt state governments was the beginning of a structural shift from colonial to independent governance.
This momentum culminated in the drafting and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Congress on July 4, 1776, signaling a definitive break from Great Britain and the start of the pursuit of an independent nation.
These developments were the culmination of years of growing tensions, typified by various British policies and taxes that infringed upon colonial autonomy and rights, including the Sugar and Stamp Acts, the Declaratory Act, and the Intolerable Acts.
The mounting spirit of cooperation among the colonies and the desire for self-determination also played a crucial role in this shift towards independence.