How did Thomas Paine respond to the Olive Branch Petition?

Answer 1

Thomas Paine responded to the Olive Branch Petition by criticizing it as a futile attempt to reconcile with the British Crown. In his influential pamphlet, "Common Sense," published in early 1776, he argued that seeking peace with Britain was misguided, asserting that independence was the only viable path for the American colonies. Paine believed that continued loyalty to Britain would only lead to further oppression, advocating for a complete break from British rule instead. His ideas helped galvanize public opinion in favor of independence.