may 10, 1775 - Second Continental Congress

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Soon after the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, in 1775. There was conflict between extremists who wanted complete independence from Britain, and moderates, who wanted to reconcile with Britain, but have less oppressive laws. The Olive Branch petition, a final appeal to the king was approved, and then a “Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.” The delegates believed that by the king rejecting the petition, the colonists had no other choice but to resist British government. The king then issued a “Prohibitory Act,” closing colonies to overseas trade and making no compromises. American support for independence slowly grew and became popularized, until the eventual Declaration.

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