About this episode
The Diggers of 1649 were not just dreamers—they were pioneers of an idea that threatened the very core of property ownership and commerce. Picture a society where land is shared, and the marketplace is obsolete. That's the radical vision these English revolutionaries had amidst the tumult of the Civil War. In our latest episode, we transport you back to this chaotic period, revealing how the Diggers' audacious stance against private property and their vision for a society free from the chains of buying and selling still resonates with today's movements for environmental justice and land reform. We'll dissect how their ideology offers surprising parallels to contemporary struggles, inviting us all to consider the lessons from history as we face modern challenges. Join us as we uncover the roots of popular resistance during the English Civil War, featuring tales of bold uprisings in Cobham, Surrey, where farmers defied oppressive forest laws with audacious acts of rebellion. Meet Gerard Winstanley, a charismatic figure who pushed the boundaries of spiritual and political transformation with ideas that predated those of Marx. From forest law revolts to Stanley's groundbreaking pamphlet "The Law of Freedom," we'll explore the forces that challenged societal structures. With humor and insight, this episode offers a rich and entertaining exploration of an era where radical voices demanded change and how their echoes linger on in today's fight for justice and equality. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/ For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Key Words: Diggers, Property Ownership, Commerce, Society, Land, Marketplace, English Revolutionaries, Civil War, Environmental Justice, Land Reform, Popular Resistance, Cobham, Surrey, Forest Laws, Rebellion, Gerard Van Stanley, Spiritual Transformation, Political Transformation, Marx, Forest Law Revolts, Law of Freedom, Societal Structures, English History, Radical Voices, Oppressive Systems, Chaos, Collapse, Traditional Authority, Visionary, Writings, Abolition, Wealthy, Catalyst for Change, Grifter, Hedge Funds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.