These groups could also be seen as a threat because they had large memberships (1794= LCS membership stood at 3000). They were also corresponding regularly with each other and also, worryingly, groups in France. .
However, despite these groups appearing to be indomitable, there were a number of reasons as to why their threat was reduced. Firstly, they were dwindling in numbers. Membership fell from 3000 to about 400 before 1798, when their activities were banned. The membership of the LCS was also confined to a small proportion of London's working class. There was a limited appeal to the unskilled workers and the very poor.
The radicals also never made an attempt to make a nationwide petition. There was also rivalry and differences between regions of the country.
The radical movement also made the mistake of overestimating the extent of their support, whilst underestimating the fear it would spark in the authorities.
Also, they tended to lose heart when they failed to get what they wanted.
An important reason as to why they weren't a threat was that, despite being radical groups, they were very restrained and non violent.
Also, the government was quick to put down the movements, as Pitt introduced a number of acts and laws to try and outlaw the radicals. The government published a number of anti-radical propaganda pieces, using newspapers, pamphlets and political cartoons. The loyalist associations also played a part in the downfall of the radical movements. They adopted the methods of the radical societies, in that they used printed propaganda, but they also used intimidation tactics and persecution in order to defeat their opponents. The loyalists were more successful as they had more support; calls for loyalty and patriotism were more popular than calls for radical change.
Radical societies were still very much a minority despite their enthusiasm, and the majority of people were stirred against talk of radicals, and even attacked radical groups in places such as Birmingham.