HEL ME I GOING BREAK OU The members of the Second Continental Congress wrote the Olive Branch Petition in July, 1775. It was an attempt to avoid full-scale war with England, following the events of Lexington and Concord.

John Adams described the petition as an effort “to keep open the door of reconciliation, to hold the sword in one hand and the olive branch in the other.”

Upon receiving and ignoring the petition on August 23, 1775, King George III wrote A Proclamation by the King for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition. This document proclaimed that the colonies were in open rebellion against the King and therefore traitors.

1. What do you think John Adams meant by his statement (Quote)?

2. How do you think colonists reacted to the response from the King?