Question

What did the petition sent to King George the third by the First Continental Congress ask for?

a) Independence from British rule
b) Reconciliation with Britain
c) Formation of a new colonial government
d) Removal of British troops from the colonies

Answer 1

The First Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III, seeking reconciliation with Britain, proposing either fair taxes or free trade. The King's negative response paved the way for independence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The petition sent to King George III by the First Continental Congress was a measure seeking reconciliation with Britain, rather than independence. Known as the Olive Branch Petition, it was a last-ditch effort to avoid full-blown war through a peaceful resolution. Drafted in July 1775, the petition proposed that colonists either be granted free trade and taxes equal to those levied on British citizens or be allowed to trade under strict regulations without taxation. The king's refusal to engage with the petition and his subsequent declaration of the colonies being in 'open and avowed rebellion' further alienated the colonists and set the stage for the pursuit of independence.