The Olive Branch Petition, Continental Congress, July 8th,1775

The Olive Branch Petition, Continental Congress, July 8th,1775

Facilitator text analysis sheet





Who is writing?-faithful subjects of the colonies new Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina,-


-Who is the audience? The King of Great Britain and I believe that they wanted the whole “universe” to know For example: “Both which we wish may be immediately put to press and communication as university as possible.”Perhaps they wanted to make known their sentiments to not only the King of Great Britain but to anyone would listen.

--Who do the writers represent? They represent the thirteen colonies and the colonists desperate for peace and freedom.-What is being said, argued and/or requested? This letter was an attempt to persuade the King of England that they want peace and that if they work with colonists instead of forcing them to do things against their will they would once again be his loyal subjects. “We solemnly assure your Majesty, that we not only most ardently desire the former harmony between her and these colonies may be restored, but that concord may be established between them upon so firm a basis….”] They were requesting peace and freedom pleading him to consider unification with the colonist and Great Britain. This quote states their stance that they still want Great Britain as their homeland and brother, and they’re not ready to part with them. Yet if Britain will not treat Boston and other colonies like equals they will bear up arms and fight against them.


--How is it being said, argued and/or requested? At first they sounded like they were buttering up to the king but they were really respectful and clear about their plea. They also were very humble and precise about the way they talked to the King.

-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request? Their proof was the signatures of everyone signing the letter showing the legitimate request for peace and freedom. “ for collecting the united sense of your American people, we are convinced your majesty would receive such satisfactory proofs of the dispositions of the colonists towards their sovereign and parent state, that the wished for opportunity would soon be restored to them….] This is their proof to make their case and claims truthful it states that a group of people are united in this case to attempt peace with Great Britain their homeland.