The English Revolution: the world turned upside down – part fifteen

The split between the New Model Army and parliament was widening, as the former became increasingly radical, particularly the Levellers faction. At the famous Putney Debates, revolutionary ideas (including universal suffrage) were openly discussed. Cromwell swung from revolution to counter-revolution in his attempts to mediate between the propertied parliamentarians and the army. Meanwhile, the stage was being set for the trial, and eventual execution, of King Charles.