Why did the Continental Congress issue the Olive Branch Petition? Wanted to gain United States independence without going to war Wanted to negotiate for protection of American rights peacefully Wanted to remain at peace in order to build up the Continental Army Wanted to show Britain the reasons why they were going to war

Wanted to negotiate for protection of American rights peacefully.

The Olive Branch Petition want was an attempt to avoid a war between the Colonies and Great Britain. It said that the colonies were loyal to Great Britain, but asked that the colonies be given free trade and taxes equal to subjects who lived in Great Britain.