"The Acts of the British Parliament, the Commission from your Sovereign, and your Letter, suppose the People of these States to be Subjects of the Crown of Great Britain, and are founded on the Idea of Dependence, which is utterly inadmissible. ... Congress will be ready to enter into a Treaty of Peace and Commerce, not inconsistent with Treaties already subsisting, when the King of Great Britain shall demonstrate a sincere Disposition for that Purpose. The only solid Proof of this Disposition will be, an explicit Acknowledgement of the Independence of these States, or the withdrawing his Fleets and Armies."
— Henry Laurens, President of the Continental Congress, letter to the British Peace Commissioners, June 17, 1778
Which of the following historical developments most directly prompted the British government to send the peace commission referenced in the excerpt?
- AThe formal signing of the Treaty of Paris ending all military hostilities
- BThe colonial submission of the Olive Branch Petition seeking reconciliation
- The French entry into the war following the American victory at SaratogaCevap
- DThe ratification of the Articles of Confederation by the required thirteen states