Army Putney Debates

The Army Putney Debates were discussions held in 1647, during England's Civil War, among New Model Army leaders and soldiers. They focused on political and social reforms, including issues of governance, rights, and the power of the monarchy. Key figures, like Colonel Thomas Rainsborough, advocated for greater democracy and the protection of individual rights. The debates reflect early ideas of liberty and representation, highlighting tensions between authority and the will of the people. Ultimately, they were crucial in shaping political thought and laid the groundwork for future democratic movements in England.