The Levellers

The Levellers were a political movement in 17th-century England, emerging during the English Civil War. They advocated for democratic reforms, including universal male suffrage, equality before the law, and greater representation in government. Their ideas emphasized individual rights and challenged the existing social hierarchy. The Levellers sought to reduce the power of monarchy and aristocracy, promoting a more egalitarian society. Although their influence waned after the Civil War, their ideals laid the groundwork for later democratic movements and continue to inspire discussions about civil rights and political equality today.