Difference between Moderates and Assertive Nationalists: Basis Moderates Assertive Nationalists 1. Basic beliefs The Moderates looked to England for inspiration and guidance. Gokhale, Ranade, Naoroji and other Moderate leaders had almost unlimited faith in the British goodness. They readily conceded the benefits of British rule to India. They had a great dislike for the British. Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal and others had no faith in the goodness of the British. They cursed the British rule that brought misery to the people of India. 2. Their Ultimate object In 1906, the Moderates talked to Swaraj as the goal of India. It meant the system of Government as found in the self-governing British colonies. They did not aim at mere economic or administrative reforms. Their ideal was “Absolute Swaraj”. 3. Their Programmes and Methods of struggle The Moderates carried on their work by means of petitions, appeals, resolutions, meetings and deputations. The Assertives described these methods as “Political Mendicancy” because they believed in direct action. 4. Approach to Boy-cott movement The Moderates boycott was launched only to the British goods. The Nationalist’s boycott also included boycott of government services, tilles and honours. 5. Inclusion of masses in freedom struggle The Moderates believed in Constitution methods as such the efforts bore the mark of individuality and were isolated from the masses. The Aggressive Nationalist believed in the strength of masses. They promoted the freedom movement into a mass struggle.