1647 Putney Debates

The Putney Debates of 1647 were a series of discussions among the New Model Army's leaders and political activists during the English Civil War. Key figures, including Oliver Cromwell, debated the political future of England and the nature of government, focusing on issues like democracy, representation, and the rights of ordinary people. The debates highlighted differing visions for the country's governance, with some advocating for broader voter rights and others for more elite control. Ultimately, these discussions laid foundations for modern democratic thought, emphasizing the importance of political equality and civil rights.