The Peasant's Revolt

Definition

The Peasant's Revolt, also known as the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381, was a major uprising in England driven by economic hardship, social inequality, and demands for greater rights among the lower classes. It is significant as it marked a turning point in the relationship between the ruling class and the peasantry, demonstrating the growing discontent with feudal oppression and the call for social reform, often influenced by emerging Christian ideas about justice and equity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Peasant's Revolt was largely fueled by a combination of high taxes, particularly the Poll Tax, and widespread discontent with the feudal system.
2. It began in Kent and Essex, where thousands of peasants rallied under leaders like Wat Tyler and John Ball to demand reforms.
3. During the revolt, rebels marched to London, capturing key locations and demanding a meeting with King Richard II, hoping to negotiate their grievances.
4. The revolt ultimately failed when King Richard II promised reforms but later betrayed those promises, leading to brutal reprisals against the peasants.
5. Despite its failure, the Peasant's Revolt significantly influenced future social movements and discussions about rights and justice within Christian teachings.

Review Questions

• How did economic factors contribute to the Peasant's Revolt, and what role did Christian ideas play in shaping its demands?
  • Economic hardship was a primary driver of the Peasant's Revolt, as rising taxes and feudal obligations placed immense burdens on peasants. The Poll Tax specifically incited widespread anger among the lower classes. Christian ideas advocating for justice and equality influenced the revolt's leaders, like John Ball, who preached about fairness and social rights. This blending of economic grievance with emerging theological concepts helped mobilize support for the uprising.
• Analyze how the Peasant's Revolt affected the perception of feudalism and social structures in England.
  • The Peasant's Revolt challenged the established feudal order by highlighting the deep-seated grievances of common people against their lords. Following the revolt, there was increased awareness of social inequalities and calls for reform within society. Although it ultimately failed to change feudalism immediately, it planted seeds of dissent that would lead to gradual changes in social structures over time, including shifts toward more modern understandings of rights and governance.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Peasant's Revolt on later social reform movements and its relevance to Christian teachings on justice.
  • The Peasant's Revolt had lasting impacts on social reform movements by demonstrating that common people could challenge oppressive systems. The ideas put forth during this time echoed in later movements that sought to address inequality and promote justice based on Christian teachings. This revolt paved the way for future dialogues about rights within Christianity, influencing reformers who argued against injustice and sought to create a more equitable society rooted in faith-based principles.

Related terms

Feudalism: A social system in medieval Europe where land was held by nobles in exchange for military service, and peasants worked the land in return for protection and a place to live.

Lollardy: A religious movement in the late 14th century that challenged the Catholic Church's authority and promoted ideas of reform, influencing many common people, including those involved in the revolt.

John Ball: A radical priest who became one of the leaders of the Peasant's Revolt, advocating for social equality and the abolition of serfdom through his sermons.