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

The division among delegates during the Second Continental Congress primarily revolved around the question of whether to declare independence from Britain or to seek reconciliation with the British government. This debate reflected the broader tensions of the time, as many delegates were torn between their loyalty to the crown and the growing desire for self-governance.

Some delegates, often referred to as "Patriots," pushed for a full declaration of independence, believing that the time had come to break free from British control due to increasing grievances such as taxation without representation and military aggression. Others, known as "Loyalists" or those leaning towards reconciliation, argued for continued negotiation and attempted to maintain ties with Britain, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the colonies’ disputes with the mother country.

This ideological conflict was crucial as it influenced the Congress's actions, which ultimately culminated in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The urgency of the situation and the belief that Britain would not grant the colonies the freedoms they sought made the push for independence a pivotal issue among the delegates. The resolution of this division marked a significant turning point in American history, leading to the Revolutionary War and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.