Political radicalism (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes
Political radicalism during the English Revolution
Introduction
During the English Revolution, revolutionary ideas emerged that would have previously been considered unthinkable. The rapid development of political radicalism during this period reflected the belief among many people that society was being turned upside down. These radical concepts had significant and lasting effects on British political thought.
The English Revolution (1640s-1660s) created an unprecedented environment where traditional political and social hierarchies were challenged, allowing radical ideas to flourish in ways that had never been possible before.
Cromwell and the New Model Army
Creation and characteristics of the New Model Army
Parliament established the New Model Army (NMA) in February 1645, placing Oliver Cromwell, who was both an MP and an accomplished military leader, in command of the cavalry forces. This represented a completely new approach to military organisation that differed dramatically from previous armies.
Unlike traditional forces that relied on temporary recruits, the New Model Army consisted of full-time professional soldiers rather than men simply called up when needed. The army's structure was revolutionary because it prioritised military ability over social background, meaning that a person's social class became far less significant than their competence as a soldier.
The New Model Army's meritocratic structure was revolutionary for its time - in a society where social class determined most opportunities, the army promoted based on military skill rather than noble birth. This created a new type of military organisation that would influence future army reforms.
The army operated according to strong religious principles, with Cromwell being a deeply religious Puritan. Military units included ministers, and soldiers frequently sang hymns before engaging in battle. This religious foundation became central to the army's identity and effectiveness.
The New Model Army proved highly successful and played a crucial role in parliament's victory during the Civil War. This military success gave army commanders significant authority and influence within parliament, with Cromwell gaining particular prominence.
Post-war political developments
Following the war's conclusion, parliament initially wanted to disband the New Model Army since it was no longer required for military purposes. However, many soldiers had developed strong political views about how the country should be governed, creating tension between parliamentary and military interests.
A significant division emerged between parliament and the army radicals regarding the king's fate. The soldiers, who had risked their lives in parliament's cause, believed they deserved a voice in parliamentary decisions about religious tolerance and unpaid wages, as well as pardons for wartime actions.
The soldiers' demands were not unreasonable - they had fought for parliament's cause and now faced the prospect of being dismissed without pay or protection from potential royalist revenge. Their political awakening was a natural consequence of their military service.
Army representatives from various regiments gathered at Newmarket to address these concerns. On 29 May 1647, they published the 'Solemn Engagement', declaring that the army would not disband until their demands were satisfied.
The Putney Debates
Context and participants
By October 1647, five of the most radical cavalry regiments had selected new representatives, known as the New Agitators, to speak for them in parliament. Rather than having every army member agree with the New Agitators, debates took place in Putney during October and November 1647.
Key political viewpoints
The debates revealed three distinct political positions:
The Levellers' position: Many soldiers were influenced by the Levellers and supported major constitutional reforms. They believed that every man should have voting rights and representation in parliamentary constituencies. The Levellers wanted the House of Commons to possess greater authority than the king and Lords, arguing that all Englishmen had natural rights, including freedom of conscience and equality before the law.
Cromwell's moderate stance: Cromwell opposed overthrowing the monarchy and believed that extending voting rights to all men would create political chaos. He preferred limiting the vote to landowners and property owners. The Agitators, conversely, felt that soldiers deserved these rights as compensation for their wartime service.
Conservative opposition: Some groups resisted these radical changes entirely, preferring to maintain existing political structures.
The Putney Debates represented one of the first recorded discussions about democratic principles in English history. The question of who should have the right to vote - all men or only property owners - would remain a central political issue for centuries to come.
New radical groups
The Levellers
The Levellers formed a political movement based on several key principles. They argued that political power should originate from the people rather than being imposed from above. Their programme included extending voting rights to more men and ensuring everyone received equal treatment under the law while being free to practice their chosen religion.
The Levellers also advocated for economic reforms, believing that tithes (taxes paid to the Church) and excise duties (sales taxes) should be eliminated to reduce the financial burden on ordinary people.
The name "Levellers" was actually given to them by their opponents, who accused them of wanting to "level" all social distinctions. The Levellers themselves preferred to be called "Agitators" or supporters of "Agreement of the People."
The Diggers
Gerrard Winstanley founded the Diggers, who developed even more radical ideas than the Levellers. The Diggers believed that private property should not exist and that everything should be shared equally among all people, with everyone contributing through work.
They promoted the concept that people should live and work together in small, self-sufficient communities that could meet their own needs without relying on external authorities or economic systems.
These radical groups drew inspiration from ideas that had emerged during the Peasants' Revolt, showing how revolutionary concepts could resurface across different historical periods.
The Diggers actually attempted to put their ideas into practice by establishing communes on common land, most famously at St. George's Hill in Surrey. However, these experiments were short-lived due to opposition from local landowners and authorities.
Timeline of major events
- February 1645: Parliament creates the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell
- 29 May 1647: Army publishes the 'Solemn Engagement' refusing to disband
- October-November 1647: Putney Debates take place between different political factions
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Political radicalism emerged during the English Revolution when previously unthinkable ideas became widely discussed
- The New Model Army (1645) was revolutionary because it prioritised ability over social status and operated on strong religious principles
- The Putney Debates (1647) revealed major disagreements about voting rights, with Levellers supporting universal male suffrage while Cromwell favoured property-based voting
- The Levellers wanted political equality and religious freedom, while the Diggers advocated for shared property and communal living
- These radical ideas had lasting impacts on British political thought, challenging traditional concepts of divine right and parliamentary authority