What was the main division among delegates during the Second Continental Congress?

The main division among delegates during the Second Continental Congress revolved around the issue of whether to declare independence from Britain or to seek reconciliation with the British government. This debate was crucial as the delegates were grappling with the consequences of either choice. Many delegates were deeply concerned about the implications of declaring independence, fearing possible military retaliation and the loss of colonial rights that they had come to rely on as subjects of the British crown. Conversely, others felt that the ongoing conflict with Britain had reached a point where reconciliation was no longer feasible, especially given events like the battles of Lexington and Concord.

This internal conflict reflected broader sentiments within the colonies, where some were ready to take bold steps toward freedom, while others were more hesitant and preferred to maintain ties, albeit strained, with Britain. The eventual decision to declare independence, formalized in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, was a significant turning point in American history, setting the stage for the Revolutionary War and the eventual establishment of the United States as an independent nation.