SOAPS

Name/Period#: Sean Oulashin (Period 3 APUSH)

Title of Document: The Olive Branch Petition

Thoroughly discuss the SUBJECT of this document.

The Revolutionary War had already begun, and Americans were still trying to find a way to
peacefully end the conflicts. Drafted in 1775, the Olive Branch petition outlines problems that needed to
be addressed by the British government - “...the Parliament, undefaced by the imputation or even the
suspicion of any offence, they were alarmed by a new system of statutes and regulations adopted for the
administration of the Colonies, that filled their minds with the most painful fears and jealousies.” It also
reaffirmed loyalty to the Mother Country.

What is the OCCASION for the document?

The war had already been taking place, colonists wanted to make clear to the British government
that they still wanted to be associated with them, to maintain loyalty to the Mother Country. Many
citizens of America were upset with Britain's policies and the way they were being treated, and they
wanted to come to some sort of agreement.

Who is the AUDIENCE for this document?

“To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty” is how the document begins. The document was written
specifically toward King George III.

What is the document’s PURPOSE?

The document was written in hopes of peacefully negotiating any disagreements or conflicts
between Britain and America. It wanted to make sure that Britain knew that America was still going to be
faithful to the Mother Country, but would like some sort of freedoms when it came to government. “Thus
called upon to address your Majesty on affairs of such moment to America, and probably to all your
Dominions, we are earnestly desirous of performing this office with the utmost deference for your
Majesty; and we therefore pray, that your Majesty’s royal magnanimity and benevolence may make the
most favourable constructions of our expressions on so uncommon an occasion.”

Who is the SPEAKER?

The Olive Branch Petition was originally written by Thomas Jefferson, but the majority of it was
rewritten by John Dickinson. At the beginning of the document, it is stated: “We, your Majesty’s faithful
subjects of the Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, New-Jersey,
Pennsylvania” and several other counties, leading one to believe that Jefferson and Dickinson were
writing on behalf of the colonies.

How does this document relate to your Big Picture Question? (Use back if you need more room)
(BPQ: How did the diversity of peoples, economics, geography, and ideology present in the 17th Century
British North American Colonies coalesce into an independent nation state by the end of the 18th
Century?)
 In this document, it is not directly stated that the colonies want full independence from Britain. It
is simply asking the king, King George III, to reconsider and reconcile some of the policies and
treatments imposed on the American people. The big deal about coming to America was to start fresh and
create a better society based on the flaws of that of which colonists came from. Because of this, it is easy
to see how tensions and attitudes could be negative toward the Mother Country. This document, in my
opinion, is a light way of saying “we really need some independence.”