DIGGERS Meaning and
Definition
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Diggers is a noun that refers to a group of people who were part of a radical political movement during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century. The Diggers, also known as the True Levellers, were advocates of agrarian communism and believed in the communal ownership of land.
The Diggers emerged in 1649 and were led by figures such as Gerard Winstanley. They believed that common land should be shared by all individuals and that all property rights should be abolished. The movement aimed to challenge the existing social and economic hierarchies of the time, which they saw as exploitative and unfair.
The name "Diggers" is derived from their practice of digging and cultivating common land, often without permission from the landowners. They believed that "the earth is a common treasury for all" and sought to establish self-sufficient communities where people could live harmoniously and cooperatively.
The Diggers faced significant opposition from the monarchy, landowners, and other political groups. Many of their communities were forcibly dismantled, and the movement eventually declined by the late 1650s. However, their ideas and actions left a lasting impact on political and social thought, influencing later movements such as socialism and anarchism.
In contemporary usage, the term "Diggers" can be used as a historical reference to this specific group, or more broadly to describe any movement or individuals advocating for communal ownership or agrarian reform.
Common Misspellings for DIGGERS
Etymology of DIGGERS
The word "Diggers" has its etymological roots in the Old English word "dicgera", which referred to a person who dug ditches or trenches. It is derived from the verb "dician", meaning "to dig". Over time, this term evolved and is currently used to describe various groups of people with different contexts. One prominent usage of the term "Diggers" dates back to the 17th century in England, when a radical political movement called the "True Levellers" or "Diggers" emerged during the English Civil War. They were known as Diggers because they sought to cultivate and live on common land, engaging in subsistence farming and rejecting private property.
Similar spelling words for DIGGERS
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