Social divisions Flashcards
What did the Levellers want?
Extension of the franchise, religious freedom, frequent elections, a written constitution.
Who was the main figure within the Leveller movement?
John Lilburne
What were the Levellers’ primary methods of action?
Petitions, pamphlets, newspaper “The Moderate”
When were the Putney debates?
November 1647
What was the Agreement of the People?
The Leveller proposed constitution of October 1647, brought to the Putney debates
How did the Levellers gain influence in the army?
Exploitation of idea that officers were selling out lower-ranking soldiers in negotiations with Charles; Leveller sympathisers such as Rainsborough.
Why did the Levellers lose influence in 1648?
Second Civil War was much more pressing for the army.
What were the Whitehall debates?
December 1648 debates on the nature of a post-regicide regime. Levellers presented a second Agreement of the People.
How were the Levellers repressed?
Arrest of key leaders in March 1649, crushing of Leveller mutiny in May.
Who led the Diggers?
Gerrard Winstanley
What did the Diggers believe in?
Total social and political equality, proto-communism.
What was the Diggers’ principal action?
Establishment of a commune at St George’s Hill.
Why did the Diggers fail?
Hostility of landowners, collapse of communes.
Who were the Fifth Monarchists?
Political millenarians.
Who was the most politically prominent Fifth Monarchist?
Thomas Harrison
