Why did Americans wait so long before they declared their independence?

> CHRONOLOGY

1775
  • Second Continental Congress convenes.

  • Battle of Bunker Hill fought.

  • Olive Branch Petition sent to British king.

1776
  • Common Sense published.

  • British evacuate Boston.

  • Declaration of Independence written.

On May 10, 1775, nearly one month after the fighting at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia. The congress immediately set to work on two crucial but contradictory tasks: to raise and supply an army and to explore reconciliation with Britain. To do the former, they needed soldiers and a commander, they needed money, and they needed to work out a declaration of war. To do the latter, they needed diplomacy to approach the king. But the king was not receptive, and by 1776, as the war progressed and hopes of reconciliation faded, delegates at the congress began to ponder the treasonous act of declaring independence.