The first and second Continental Congresses were shaped by differing opinions from the three parties, the Radicals, Moderates, and the Conservatives. Each faction provided convincing arguments for their positions. However, the one that was most persuasive and effective in achieving their goals were the Radicals, due to their belief on wanting independence.
The Radicals were a group of colonial people with the belief of true independence. There were four main people who were Radicals with this belief. From Massachusetts, there were Sam and John Adams, from Virginia there were Patrick Henry and from Pennsylvania, there was Charles Thompson. These Radicals believed that the colonies' relationship with Britain had already surpassed the point where there was no turning back.
The Conservatives had another belief that had nothing to do with the beliefs that the Radicals had. This group of people which contained, John Jay ( New York) and Joseph Galloway ( Pennsylvania), believed that there was still a possibility that the colonies and Britain could reunite. They even proposed a union with them and the colonies be under authority of Britain. If this was to happen, then the colonies and Britain would return to what they had before the drastic change that took place in 1763.
This was a particular group where they were indifferent to weather the relationship between Britain and the colonies could be returned.There were two people in this group and their names were John Dickinson, from Pennsylvania and George Washington, form Virginia. They favored getting the colonies and Britain to reunite than just going totally independent.
The Radicals, Moderates, and the Conservatives, stood for different purposes but only wanted to do what was best for the colonies. If reuniting with Britain or going independent would better the colonies, then they would have to make that sacrifice and enjoy or suffer the consequences. In the end, the Moderates would be okay with anything. The Conservatives plan did not succeed because the Grand Council vetoed their bill to reunite with the British. The Radicals plan did succeed because in reality, they had the most logical plan. The Radicals and the colonies would become independent sooner than later.
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T,
The problem with this essay is that you didn't tell me specifically why the Radicals wanted independence. You didn't make a clear connection between the Radicals and HOW they were effective and convincing...meaning the reason WHY the Radicals convinced the delegates is because the Galloway Plan fell through-narrowly. You could also say that the Olive Branch Petition didn't work as well. You could have mentioned that the delegates were fuming about the Parliament trying to get rich off the East India Tea Company which led to the Tea Party. You could have wrote about the biggest problem-the Stamp Act where the slogan "taxation without representation" came about. And finally you could have mentioned the vigilantes like the Sons of Liberty who terrorized Tories and Loyalists into behaving properly. To say that the Radicals wanting independence without specific evidence DOESN'T SHOW ME THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL. That's what an essay does is that it shows the reader that you fully understand the question and know how to answer it because you thoroughly know the history.
D/C
MB
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