In the first twenty years of its existence, the Congress was “moderate” in
its objectives and methods. The Congress leaders of this period were
called the Moderates. They proposed to struggle against British rule in
non-violent manner which the radicals called “politics of
petitions”. They wanted to develop public awareness about the unjust
nature of British rule. They published newspapers, wrote articles, and
showed how the British rule was leading to the economic ruin of the
country. They criticised British rule in their speeches and sent
representatives to different parts of the country to mobilise public
opinion. They felt that the British had respect for the ideals of freedom and justice, and so would accept the just demands of Indians.