Events of the Peasants' Revolt

The Peasants' Revolt unfolded rapidly over a period of two weeks in June 1381. What happened in the Peasants' Revolt was a series of escalating confrontations between the peasants and the authorities, culminating in a dramatic showdown in London.

The revolt began on May 30th when peasants in Brentwood refused to pay the poll tax and threatened to kill the local tax collector. This act of defiance quickly spread throughout Essex, with more villages joining the protest.

Highlight: The refusal to pay the poll tax in Brentwood marked the beginning of the Peasants' Revolt, setting off a chain reaction of resistance across the region.

On June 2nd, the Chief Justice arrived to collect the poll tax but was also met with threats. In response, the peasants found and beheaded the tax collector's clerks, signaling a violent turn in the uprising.

The revolt gained momentum on June 7th as the peasants marched to Maidstone, freeing prisoners including John Ball, and stormed Rochester Castle, burning tax records. At this point, Wat Tyler emerged as the leader of the rebellion.

Vocabulary: Wat Tyler was a prominent leader of the Peasants' Revolt, known for his charismatic leadership and bold demands.

By June 12th, the peasants had reached London's city walls, and on June 13th, they breached the defenses. The rebels burned palaces and killed supporters of the king, including destroying the home of John of Gaunt, a powerful noble.

The violence escalated on June 14th when a group of peasants beheaded the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Treasurer, demonstrating the intensity of their grievances against the ruling class.

Quote: "14th June → group of peasants beheads Archbishop of Canterbury + Treasurer"

On June 15th, King Richard II, who was only 14 years old at the time, met with the rebels at Mile End and Smithfield. He initially agreed to their demands, but the situation took a dramatic turn when Wat Tyler was killed by one of the king's men during the meeting.

Example: The king's agreement to the peasants' demands included promises to abolish serfdom and reduce land rents, which were revolutionary concessions at the time.

How did the Peasants' Revolt End? Following Tyler's death, the peasants dispersed and returned home, believing their demands had been met. However, Richard II soon went back on his word, claiming that he had been forced to agree under duress. The rebel leaders were subsequently rounded up and executed, marking the end of the revolt.

Highlight: The king's reversal of his promises and the execution of rebel leaders demonstrated the limits of the peasants' power and the resilience of the feudal system.

Causes of the Peasants' Revolt

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was triggered by a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. What caused the Peasants' Revolt can be attributed to several key issues:

Bad harvests between 1315-1317 led to a 50% decrease in crop yields, resulting in higher food prices and rents. This economic hardship caused widespread famine and death, fostering resentment among peasants towards the privileged classes.

Highlight: The period between 1300-1350 was marked by natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and famine, exacerbating the already difficult living conditions for peasants.

The Black Death, which struck in the mid-14th century, had a profound impact on the labor market. With 30-50% of the population wiped out, workers became scarce, leading to increased mobility as peasants sought better-paying jobs.

Vocabulary: The Black Death was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing widespread death and social upheaval.

The government's response to these changes further aggravated the situation. The Statute of Labourers Act of 1351 prohibited wage increases, favoring landowners and preventing peasants from benefiting from the labor shortage. Additionally, the Sumptuary Laws of 1363 regulated clothing and diet based on social class, reinforcing social immobility.

Example: The Sumptuary Laws dictated that certain fabrics and foods were reserved for the nobility, while peasants were restricted to simpler attire and diets.

Economic pressures continued to mount with the introduction of work service requirements and the unpopular poll tax. Peasants were required to work for free on certain days in exchange for land, while Richard II raised taxes to fund his campaigns against France in the Hundred Years' War.

Quote: "Poll tax - Richard II raised taxes to fund his campaigns against the French in the Hundred Years War. It was deeply unpopular and a massive increase from what they'd previously paid."

Religious and ideological influences also played a role. John Ball, a priest, spread ideas of equality and social justice, challenging the existing hierarchical structure. His arrest for these radical ideas further incensed the peasant population.

Definition: The poll tax was a flat-rate tax levied on every adult, regardless of their income or wealth, making it particularly burdensome for the poor.