Discuss the positions of the moderates, radicals, and conservatives and explain which was the most persuasive and effective in achieving its goals.

The First and Second Continental Congresses were shaped by differing opinions from the three parties. Each faction provided, convincing arguments for their positions. However, the one that was the most persuasive and effective in achieving it's goals were the Radicals due to their beliefs about Britain overbearing with their authority and "crossing the line", about the colonies having to declare independence, a sense for new leadership.

All three factions differed in their beliefs regarding the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies. Moderates (such as John Dickinson and George Washington) believed that the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain could be repaired. Radicals (such as Patrick Henry, Sam and John Adams, and Charles Thomson) believed that the colonies' relationship with Britain had already reached a point of no return. For them there were only two alternatives: force Britain to accede to their demands or declare independence. Conservatives (such as John Jay and Joseph Galloway) were not prepared to make an aggressive response but did favor a mild rebuke of the British. In fact, Galloway proposed a union of colonies under British authority similar to that proposed in the ill-fated Albany plan of the French and Indian War.If adopted, the relationship would return Britain and the colonies essentially to what had been the situation before the dramatic changes that took place in 1763, and the years since. There was one substantial addition, however: a colonial "grand council" would have the power to veto British acts. The Galloway plan was narrowly defeated, setting the stage for the radicals to guide the direction of events and actions.

Of all, the Radicals were most convincing in their approach towards the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies. The Intolerable Acts of 1774 led the Radicals to believe Great Britain crossed the boundaries held. Values America would later be founded upon led Radicals to feel they had to take charge. The thirteen colonies established solely on economic reasoning and they were to govern themselves without authority from "mother country" Great Britain. Britain soon realized the Americas were to become significantly profitable, they wanted profit for themselves. Radicals viewed government to be set to direct and lead.

The Radicals took charge to change their future and the only way was to risk it. Joseph Galloway (a Conservative) proposed a union of the colonies under British authority, returning the colonies to what it was before Proclamation of 1763. Radicals and Conservatives did agree on the importance of uniting the colonies. If the colonies were united the Radicals could confront the Britain government. Moderates tried to find conciliation between the views of the Radicals and the Conservatives and took a position. The Radicals won, by defeating the proposal introduced by the Conservatives. The Radicals persuaded the Congress to adopt its own plan denouncing the "Coercive Acts" as unconstitutional. Therefore supporting the ’Suffolks resolves’ - declaring the "Intolerable Acts" void. The Congress adopted regulations, which would cut off all relations with England. Therefore building the forefront of an independent nation.

New government had been reasoning for wars and revolutions. Radicals felt the same. Need for new leadership became most apparent after the French and Indian War. Britain gained control of the colonized North America. Doing without correct leadership could soon result in unhappiness within the colonies. Unhappy colonists, comes the lack of economic virtue. Radicals believed leadership to have the same values as the people, this was, a democracy.

This is why the Radicals had the most effective view. They took action against Britain. They declared independence. They agreed among new leadership. They won over Conservatives, and created the Declaration of Resolves, a basis of America.