Moderate delegates to the Continental Congress preferred reconciliation with Britain over supporting the Massachusetts militia and the submission of a declaration of independence. Which of the following is NOT a reason moderates wanted to reconcile with Britain?

A) They supported Britain's abolition of slavery.
B) Many elites wanted to maintain the privileges that being British afforded.
C) Moderates felt that the movement to resist British rule was too radical.
D) Moderates feared starting a war with Britain if they supported the Massachusetts army.

Delegates sought reconciliation initially but shifted to pursue independence; Jefferson emphasized 'pursuit of happiness'; common people fought for rights and freedom.

Explanation:

Delegates to the Second Continental Congress initially hoped for reconciliation with Britain to address colonists' grievances while maintaining the colonial relationship. They ultimately changed their minds due to escalating tensions and the desire for true independence.

Thomas Jefferson and the committee drafting the Declaration of Independence chose 'pursuit of happiness' over John Locke's 'property' as a natural right to emphasize broader individual freedoms and aspirations beyond just material wealth.

Simple farmers and shopkeepers trained as soldiers and risked their lives fighting a professional army at Lexington and Concord because they believed in resisting British oppression and securing their rights and freedom.

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