Question

Why did members of the Second Continental Congress send the Olive Branch Petition to King George III?

Answer 1

The main reason why the members of the Second Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III is because they felt they were ill-prepared to begin a full war with the greatest military in the world--and wanted to try one last time for a peaceful solution. 

Answer 2

An attempt to avoid war.

The Olive Branch Petition was sent to George III in July 1775.

The goal of the Olive Branch Petition was to make amends with the King and avoid a war and a complete break with England. Many of the Founding Fathers were not looking for complete independence but wanted a say in the English system. The petition claimed the colonists' concerns were not with the King but rather with the government officials appointed in the colonies and members of Parliament. The petition had no effect on the situation because George III refused to even accept and read the document.