7.1.2

Poll Tax

Test yourself

Poll Tax

King Richard introduced a poll tax due to the war with France which was hated. This tax treated the poor unfairly.

Illustrative background for War against FranceIllustrative background for War against France ?? "content

War against France

  • In 1369, England declared war on France.
  • French troops attacked coastal towns, killing many people.
  • People hated the war and thought that the young King Richard had made a bad decision.
Illustrative background for Introduction of poll taxIllustrative background for Introduction of poll tax ?? "content

Introduction of poll tax

  • England could not afford the war with France, so King Richard introduced a new poll tax.
  • The peasants were used to paying one lot of tax every 4-5 years.
  • But, King Richard asked for five lots of tax in just four years.
Illustrative background for Unfair taxationIllustrative background for Unfair taxation ?? "content

Unfair taxation

  • The tax system as a whole was unfair, with poor and rich people having to pay the same amount.
  • This meant poor people had to pay most of their income to the King, but rich people only paid a small percentage of their income.

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

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium