Final answer:
In 1776, the two important documents published were 'The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms' and 'The Declaration of Independence'. The former condemned Parliament's attempt to enslave the colonies, while the latter declared the colonies' independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1776, two important documents were published: The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms and The Declaration of Independence.
The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms was drafted by John Dickinson and Thomas Jefferson and was adopted by Congress just two days before the Olive Branch Petition. It admonished Parliament for attempting to enslave the colonies and insisted that their cause was just.
The Declaration of Independence, the most important document to emerge from the Second Continental Congress, declared the independence of the 13 colonies from Britain.