1.10.2

The Peasants Revolt of 1381

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The Peasants Revolt of 1381

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 highlighted deep societal tensions as commoners demanded justice and reform.

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Peasants anger

  • The Peasants' Revolt was one of the most significant uprisings in medieval England.
  • The peasants were miserable because of:
    • High taxes, especially the poll tax introduced in 1380
    • Economic hardship
    • Anger towards feudal lords
  • The revolt was led by Wat Tyler and the preacher John Ball.
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Peasants' demands

  • The rebels wanted an end to serfdom.
    • Serfdom meant that peasants were tied to the land and their lord.
  • The peasants also demanded:
    • Fairer wages
    • Lower taxes
    • Removing corrupt officials
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March to London

  • In June 1381, thousands of rebels marched to London.
  • The rebels attacked buildings, destroyed property, and killed unpopular officials.
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End of the revolt

  • The young King Richard II met with rebels and promised to address their concerns.
    • King Richard II did not keep his promises.
  • The revolt was eventually crushed and Wat Tyler was killed.
  • Many leaders were executed, and harsh punishments were given to the participants.
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Outcomes of the revolt

  • The revolt did not succeed.
  • But the revolt showed the deep problems in society.
  • The revolt also proved the potential for ordinary people to fight back.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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