in #ColonialHistory, #OnThisDay 295 Words

#OnThisDay: Olive Branch Petition, 1775

On July 8, 1775, the Second Continental Congress adopted the so-called Olive Branch Petition as sort of a last-ditch effort to avoid war with Great Britain. It was written by John Dickinson of Pennsylvania. He hoped against hope that America would not break with its mother country.

Photo by Shahan Khan on Unsplash

The petition’s words were couched in language meant to convince King George III that the colonies did not want to break away but that Britain’s actions had forced her “still faithful Colonists” to arm themselves in self-defense. It mentions the “distress” the very thought of such a break was causing the colonists.

The petition ended with, “That your Majesty may enjoy long and prosperous reign, and that your descendants may govern your Dominions with honour to themselves and happiness to their subjects, is our sincere prayer.”

Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash

This was just a scant three months after American militiamen had fought British troops at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. Colonists’ beef was primarily with Parliament. There was still hope among same of them that King George surely wanted only the best for his subjects – even those across the Atlantic.

On September 8, 1775, Richard Penn and Authur Lee, representing the Continental Congress, traveled to England to present the petition to King George III. But King George refused to accept the petition.

Photo by Mark Stuckey on Unsplash

When word came to the colonies that the king had refused to even receive the petition, the tide turned and the colonists realized the king did not have their best interest at heart.

Photo by Rusty Watson on Unsplash

The rest, as they say, is history.

Until my next blog post

I hope you are reading a good book.

Remember the people of Ukraine.

Janet

7 thoughts on “#OnThisDay: Olive Branch Petition, 1775”

  1. It’s always the same, Janet, kings are not good for countries or for people, especially if they hold absolute power. I live in a monarchy (constitutional), a Kingdom, but if I had a choice I would vote for a republic. And our monarchy is one of the best in Europe, but still, I believe, as a Christian, that we are all equal and that we have one God, one King, and it is no one on Earth, but in Heaven. All the best.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I agree, Francis. It is such a daily comfort to know that it is God and not the politicians or monarchs in charge. The politicians (and US Supreme Court Justices!) only think they are in charge.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. So true Janet, they suffer from the illusion of power but God is in charge and even the atheists know it. Like Nikita Jrushchov said: “I am an atheist and God knows it!”. Reference to US Supreme Court Justices, I think they should have term limits or be appointed by each administration upon arrival to power, or be rotated among all federal judges. There should be no absolutism in a republic. And the popular vote should be the only test facing candidates for the presidency. My thoughts… All the best.

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  4. I used to not be aware of what political party acquaintances or fellow church members were associated with, how they voted, etc. It was none of my business. Nowadays, almost everyone makes their political leanings known whether or not you want to know. I used to not care which President appointed which U.S. Supreme Court Justice. It didn’t matter, because they generally hashed things out among themselves, weighed the pros and cons, considered earlier cases, and interpreted the US Constitution to the best of their ability. I have now lost all confidence in the US Supreme Court. There’s got to be a better way for Justices to be chosen. The vetting process in Congress is totally politicized now and too many of the current Justices have conflicts of interest they refuse to acknowledge. The Trump appointees lied their way through the vetting process. What a sad state the country is in, and I cringe to think about the election. I agree with you that the Electoral College should be abolished. Each citizen’s vote should count. Political campaigns should only last a few weeks… not four years.

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  5. It is a sad state of affairs Janet, not only in the US, but here in Europe too. Political manoeuvring for the benefit of the politicians and their party with little, if any, regards for the common good. There are no values anymore or shame.

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