**Difference between Moderates and Extremists**

The period from the 1870s to 1947 witnessed the emergence of two major factions within the Indian National Congress - the Moderates and the Extremists. These two groups had different approaches and ideologies towards achieving independence from British rule.

**Moderates:**

1. *Ideology:* The Moderates believed in a gradual and constitutional approach towards achieving independence. They emphasized the need for cooperation with the British government and believed that reforms could be achieved through negotiations and petitions.

2. *Methods:* They primarily used moderate methods such as petitions, resolutions, and constitutional means to voice their demands and grievances. They relied on peaceful protests, public meetings, and representations to the British government.

3. *Leadership:* Prominent leaders of the Moderate faction included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee. They were educated, elite individuals who had a strong belief in the British sense of justice and fairness.

4. *Demands:* The Moderates focused on demands for political reforms, representation in the government, and greater participation of Indians in administrative and legislative bodies. They also emphasized economic issues, such as the drain of wealth from India and the need for economic development.

5. *Criticism:* The Extremists criticized the Moderates for being too moderate and accused them of being loyal to the British government. They believed that the Moderates were not doing enough to challenge British rule and were compromising the true spirit of nationalism.

**Extremists:**

1. *Ideology:* The Extremists, also known as the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' group, believed in a more radical and militant approach towards achieving independence. They were influenced by the ideas of nationalism, self-reliance, and the use of force if necessary.

2. *Methods:* The Extremists employed more radical methods such as boycotts, strikes, and mass agitations to challenge British rule. They believed in direct action and were willing to resort to violence if required.

3. *Leadership:* Prominent leaders of the Extremist faction included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. They were more aggressive in their approach and advocated for the complete overthrow of British rule.

4. *Demands:* The Extremists demanded complete independence from British rule and rejected any form of cooperation or compromise with the British government. They focused on building a strong national identity and advocated for swaraj (self-rule).

5. *Criticism:* The Moderates criticized the Extremists for their radical approach, considering it to be risky and counterproductive. They believed that the Extremists' methods would only lead to harsher British repression and hinder the progress of the nationalist movement.

Overall, the main difference between the Moderates and the Extremists lies in their approach and ideology towards achieving independence. The Moderates believed in a gradual and constitutional approach, while the Extremists advocated for a more radical and militant approach.

Moderates were a group of people did not want freedom from British rule, they more representation in government. But Extremists were a group of people who wanted swaraj (my Birthright).