Chapter 3- The Peasants' Revolt Flashcards
What were the main causes of the Peasants’ Revolt?
-Economic issues
-Political issues
-Religious issues
-Social issues
Why were the economic issues a cause of the Peasants’ Revolt?
-In 1348, the plague arrived in England and it killed most of the peasant workforce.
-This led to fields and crops being left to rot and villages to be abandoned.
-King Richard II also raised taxes to fund his campaigns against the French in the 100 Years War, it was a poll tax.
-1380, everyone over the age of 15 had to pay 4 groats per year to the King, 400 percent increase from what they previously paid.
Why were the political issues a cause of the Peasants’ Revolt?
-The Local Lords and the King worried that the peasants were becoming too powerful and that the feudal system would not be as stable.
-1351, King Edward III passed the Statute of Labourers which restricted the movement and wages of the peasants.
-The peasant then wanted reform to reduce the influence of landowners.
Why were the religious issues a cause of the Peasants’ Revolt?
-Many priests preached that the Church was exploiting the peasants by making people say pardons for their sins.
-A priest called John Ball said God created everyone equally and there should be no rich or poor, he was arrested for this.
Why were the social issues a cause of Peasants’ Revolt?
-The Black Death plague spread across the country, killing a third of the population- mostly the poor people.
-Peasants started to move from village to village looking for the best paid work.
-1377 to 1379, 70 percent of people brought before the Justice of the Peace were accused of breaking the Statute of Labourers.
-Peasants returning from the 100 years war were forced to go back to their old lives and pay higher taxes.
What happened during the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381?
-30 May, Peasants refused to pay the poll tax and threatened to kill the local tax collector.
-2 June, Chief Justice comes to collect the poll tax but is also threatened. Peasants set fire to houses of poll tax supporters.
-7 June, Peasants march to Maidstone and make War Tyler their leader, free John Ball, storm Rochester castle and burn tax records.
-12 June, Peasants reach London’s City walls, Richard II sails to meet them.
-13 June, Peasants storm city walls, burn palaces and kill supporters of King.
-14 June, Wat Tyler meets King and outlines demands from the peasants. King agrees and asks peasants to go home. While this happens another group of peasants kill the Archbishop of Canterbury.
-15 June, King meets peasants again and agrees to demands, but one of his men kills Wat Tyler, peasants leave London and revolt is over.
What were some demands form the Peasants which were outlined to the King?
-All villeins to be freemen.
-Full change to system of law.
-Church lands given to people.
-All bishops except one to be removed.
What were the Short-term impacts of Peasants’ Revolt?
-Some peasants were able to buy their own land due to so much unused after the Black Death.
-Peasants’ wages began to rise, situation before revolt remained the same. Lack of workers to more peasants could demand more money.
What were the Long-term impact of the Peasants’ revolt?
-Poll tax removed, not repeated until 1989 in Scotland and 1990 in England and Wales.
-Gradually peasants became more independant and within 100 years peasants and villeins were freemen.
