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Radicalism in the English Revolution 1640-1660 (HI312)

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This 30 CATS undergraduate final-year Special Subject module explores the popular and radical dimensions of the civil wars and their aftermath. For the first time, ordinary people played an active and visible role in public affairs of national significance, initially through petitions, demonstrations, and riots. Subsequent topics include the issue of popular allegiance, and the impact of the wars on the civilian population. The module's core, however, lies in the emergence of radical movements, many of them religious in inspiration, mapping out competing models for a new religious, social and political order, among them the millenarian Fifth Monarchists, evangelical Quakers, proto-democratic Levellers, libertarian Ranters, and communist Diggers. The module also examines the most radical phase of mainstream politics - the trial and execution of the king, and establishment of a republic - and the controversial career of Oliver Cromwell, seen by the radicals as both hero and betrayer. There is also plentiful scope for assessed work on the pioneering role of radical women in this period, as petitioners, prophets and preachers.

Module Tutor: Professor Bernard Capp
 Office: H318, third floor of the Humanities Building
Seminar Times: Thursday, 2-4 p.m.