The Peasants' Revolt Flashcards
Why did the gap between the rich and the poor increase?
Because between 1315-1317 harvests fell by 50%
What were the consequences of the Black Death?
Hit Britain between 1348-1349 wiped out 50% of population
Forced landowners to lower rents and raise waged to encourage workers
What was the Statute of Labourers?
King Edward III passed Statute of Labourers in 1351 to control peasants’ growing power
Peasants had to work for the wage they got before the Black Death
Why were the wars with France a cause of the peasants’ revolt?
Wars with France going badly
French fleets of ships made raids on towns along English coast
King needed more money to fight them off
Why were taxes a cause of the peasants’ revolt?
King introduced Poll Tax three different times
e.g 1337 asked for 4d per person- two days wages!
What happened on the 30th May 1381? (Peasant’s Revolt)
On the 30th May 1381, John Bapmton went to collect unpaid taxes from villagers in Kent and Essex, they refused and threatened him
When/What happened when Chief Justice attempted to collect tax money from the peasants?
On 2nd Ju 1381, Chief Justice tried to get money but was threatened (like John Bampton) and locals beheded chief clerks
When/What happened when John Ball (priest) and Wat Tyler were released from prison?
Armed men and large crowd were led by John Ball and Wat Tyler headed to London
Crowds attacked symbols of the rich e.g burned records, attacked clerks and killed the Archbishop of Caterbury- the killed many others when they reached the London city gates
When/What happened when Tyler met King Richard II?
Peasants’ Revolt
On 14th June 1381, King met with rebels and Tyler at Smithfield. Tyler presented the King with the rebels demands. King agreed but rebels went on killing spree
What happened on the 15th June 1381? (Day after Wat Tyler met with the King- Peasants’ Revolt)
King met with Tyler again at Smithfields, Tyler demanded for more. One of King’s supporters killed Tyler. To prevent riot King old crowd he would grant pardons and their requests- not true
How many people are estimated to have been killed in the Peasants’ Revolt?
1500-1700 people
What were the short term consequences of the Peasants’ Revolt? (2)
- First time commons (not nobels) rebelled against royal authority
- King went back on his word and some of the leaders were hanged
What were the long term consequences of the Peasants’ Revolt?
- Poll Tax never repeated nor one so high
- Peasants’ wages rose and government stopped interfering with wages
- Some Peasants were able to buy land
- Within 100 years peasants were freemen
When was the Black Death?
1348-1349
What was the Statute of Labourers passed?
King Edward III passed Statute of Labourers in 1351
