Olive Branch Petition

The 18th century can be marked as a period of internal and external struggle for the American colonists. From improper representation, to unfair taxes, such as the Stamp Act, to being overall abused by Britain, the colonists were justifiably angry. From this anger, the slogan “No taxation without representation” was born and quickly began to emerge from the lips of almost every colonist all across America. The demand from colonists everywhere for no taxation without representation weighed heavily as a symbol for democracy, as it revealed the mindset of many – Britain was using the hardworking colonists and took their money without even giving them a say – and laid the foundation for the American revolutionary war, allowing more arguments and

Thomas Paine claims in Common Sense that the people living in America do not need to tolerate the oppression from their British overlords. His main purpose for writing this pamphlet was to expose the injustice of the British towards the Americans and to persuade those who still believed that the British were either needed or were beneficial for the Americans in 1776. Paine values the idea that the Americans need to revolt against their evil ,oppressive, monarchical rulers in Britain and to establish pure democracy in the Thirteen Colonies. Paine writes from the perspective of an equal to his fellow American man, thus making him relatable from common folk to the wealthy merchants and upper classes. Paine shows the British tyranny over America as horrific and he wishes to expose British faults and impurities to inspire the colonists

Thomas Paine wrote secretly, yet spoke to the public on the occasion of him speaking out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, persuading liberation from Britain, was called Common Sense. Paine believed that America needed to break free of the British controls. He was against

Thomas Paine was responsible for some of the most influential works of the revolution. Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense was a very crucial part to America and its movement of independence from Britain. Paine was effective with his writings by being very plain. He wanted both farmers and officials to understand what he was talking about and be able to comprehend his ideas. Paine wanted to put his ideas out to the people of the American colonies so that they could understand it just by reading and not have to analyze and decipher what he was really trying to get across. He wanted to let the colonist know that there was no more room for talking about a split from English rule but it was time for the colonies to unite and take up arms against their British oppressors.

The Olive Branch Petition was written as a last attempt to avoid a war against Britain. On June 3rd, 1775, Congress formed a committee to draft a letter to the King including; Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Johnson, John Dickinson,

Yilihany Morales History 501 Paine Paper Thomas Paine was one of the most influential writers of the Revolutionary period. In Common Sense, Paine made the colonist see the serious issues affecting them and stated that they needed to declare independence. Thomas Paine’s work shed light on how independence and war was necessary by showing the colonist just how strong America really was.

In May 1775, with Redcoats once again attacking Boston, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. It was agreed that a continental army would be created. The Congress commissioned George Washington to be the supreme commander. Congress approved the olive branch petition which is a direct appeal to the king. The American colonist pleaded with King George III for a peaceful resolution and declared their loyalty to the crown. The King did not take the plea and declared the colonist to be in a state of

In attempt for the Americans to prevent any further deaths, they created the Olive Branch Petition. The Olive Branch Petition was written by John Dickinson, a Pennsylvania delegate. He stated the desire to remain loyal to the British crown, King George III, he asked the king to address the colonists complaints and in return the colonists promised to lay down their weapons when their grievances were addressed. King George III rejected the Olive Branch Petition and declared the colonists in rebellion. Parliament then passed the Prohibitory Act which closed American ports to over seas trade, and allowed the Royal Navy to seize American ships at sea. Many colonists still didn't want to break away from Britain. Officers toasted the king's health, merchants were afraid they would lose money, and people were afraid they would be put to death for rebelling against the crown. Thomas Paine published a pamphlet anonymously the title being, Common Sense. This pamphlet argued reasons for America to break away from Britain. This pamphlet rejected the idea of a monarchy and hereditary aristocracy, promoted the idea of a representative government, and called for unity in the struggle for independence. Also in the pamphlet, Paine argued that a monarchy was dangerous, men were born equal so no family had the right to rule over anyone else, and that Britain had taken advantage of Americans and taxed them unfairly. Paine suggested America think of themselves as a separate nation. He believed it was America's destiny to become independent, wanted American people to hold the power, not a distant monarch, and suggested election processes and establishment of a constitution. Common Sense was popular in the colonies; sold around 120,000 copies in a 3 month period, was also read aloud in public places, changed attitudes of Americans about independence, also helped shape the Declaration of Independence.

The Olive Branch Petition was created in 1775 shortly following the disgraceful Battles of Lexington and Concord as a final attempt for the rebellious colonists to make peace with Britain. It was first written by a New York lawyer, John Jay, but later was re-examined by John Dickinson, a Pennsylvania delegate. In the petition, the colonial author stated that it was in Great Britain's best interest to continue to side with the colonies due to the slight benefits that came as a result of their alliance. In July of 1775 the Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George III but was denied by the King who soon after, on August 23, 1775, declared the American colonies to be an open rebellion.

Thomas Paine was originally born in Britain and migrated to America after being convinced by Benjamin Franklin. He moved shortly before the revolutionary war. He became involved in the political life and started editing magazines and articles. In the war, after the first battle, Paine argued that Americans should seek independence from Britain. So the best way he could get his idea out to the colonies is to create a pamphlet.

Thomas Paine was an English American writer, journalist & inventor from the 18th century whose writings help shape the American Revolution. He was born January 29th 1737, he learned how to read with only little education under his belt. As a young man he had a few jobs and was not very good at them suffering multiple failures. Around the same time of his wife’s death during childbirth his business of making ropes had started to fail. He came to America in the fall of 1774 and began his career as a writer.

In January 1776, Thomas Paine produced his 50 page pamphlet “Common Sense,” produced in Philadelphia, expressing his open opinion in favor of American independence. Even though pamphlets are rarely used today, they were important for ideas being used in the 16th centuries through the 19th centuries.

　　Before the petition was drafted the delegates of the Second Continental Congress were at odds. Some wished to declare independence immediately while others were hesitant. Despite what many think not all colonists were patriots or even traitors; many were loyalists who although were also dissatisfied with taxation were continually

Do you really think that even if the king accepted the Olive Branch Petition that it would make a change? To begin, The French and Indian War, the Mayflower Compact, and the Proclamation Line of 1763 restricted of freedom with the colonists. Next, Mercantilism, taxes, and many acts of law would continue to flow on without a doubt. Finally, the propaganda of battles and the chain of events that occur through these battles will make no change. The Olive Branch Petition would NOT have brought about peace with the king because of these reasons.

Half a Million pamphlets were sold, both demonstrating and building the support of the people to rebel against the king. A second example of how important revolutionist literature was “The Declaration of Independence” written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the 56 members of the constitutional