The English Revolution almost marked a change in British, and therefore in world, society that was not only revolutionary -- it did that -- but epoch-making. Why it did not occur, why it was reversed and its liberatory, egalitarian potential was not realized, and what this meant for subsequent history, is the topic of this important chapter.
Read the whole chapter. Then go back and reread up to the end of page 123 -- main parts on the democratic, popular aspect of the English Revolution, leading up to the short-lived Republic of 1649-1660.
Read one of the egalitarian Leveller (or Digger) documents of the period on our 'Texts' page here. This will give you a flavor of the period.
Read "The Levellers and Irish Freedom", also linked on our 'Texts' page.
What do you make of the Levellers? L&R obviously believe them very important. Are they right? Do these egalitarian voices foreshadow the mass democratic, even socialist and communist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries? How, or how not?
Refer to specific passages. Write 300 words, and email to your group and to me.