Which assembly took place in 1775 and was marked by debates over independence versus reconciliation?

The Second Continental Congress, which convened in 1775, was a pivotal assembly that addressed the growing conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. It followed the First Continental Congress and represented a moment in which delegates were increasingly divided over whether to pursue a path of independence from British rule or to seek reconciliation.

During this Congress, significant discussions occurred regarding the management of the war effort against Britain, but the question of independence became more prominent, especially after battles like Lexington and Concord. Some delegates, such as John Adams, leaned towards advocating for independence, while others sought to negotiate terms of peace and maintain ties to the Crown. This tension culminated in the eventual adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, making the Second Continental Congress a crucial turning point in American history. Therefore, the assembly is correctly identified for its debates around these conflicting visions for the colonies' future.

Other choices represent different assemblies or organizations that did not focus on this critical debate at the same time or context. For example, the First Continental Congress aimed primarily to address grievances against British policies and did not seriously consider independence, while the Continental Association was more about economic boycotts against Britain. The Colonial Union Congress is not an established historical entity recognized for debates on