Glossary

16.2 Social unrest and peasant revolts

3 min read•july 23, 2024

The Late Middle Ages saw a surge in peasant revolts across Europe. Triggered by heavy , economic hardship, and the aftermath of , these uprisings challenged the feudal order and exposed growing tensions between social classes.

While most revolts were ultimately suppressed, they left a lasting impact on medieval society. These events demonstrated the power of and forced rulers to reconsider their approach to governing, gradually eroding the foundations of feudalism.

Social Unrest and Peasant Revolts in the Late Middle Ages

Major peasant revolts in Late Middle Ages

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  • The (1358)
    • Occurred in northern France during
    • Peasants revolted against due to heavy taxation and military defeats (Battle of Poitiers)
  • (1381)
    • Also known as 's Rebellion named after one of its leaders
    • Triggered by imposition of a poll tax and long-standing grievances (labor regulations)
    • Peasants demanded an end to and reduction in taxes
  • The (1462-1472)
    • Peasants in Catalonia, Spain revolted against King John II of Aragon
    • Caused by king's attempts to centralize power and increase taxes (salt tax)

Black Death's impact on social unrest

  • The Black Death (1347-1351) caused significant population loss
    • Estimated 30-50% of Europe's population died (75-200 million people)
  • Labor shortages led to increased bargaining power for surviving peasants
    • Demanded higher wages and better working conditions (shorter workdays)
  • Landlords and authorities attempted to maintain status quo
    • Enacted laws to control wages and restrict peasant mobility ()
  • Tensions between peasants and ruling class intensified
    • Contributed to outbreak of peasant revolts in following decades (, )

Taxation and economic hardship in uprisings

  • Heavy taxation burdened the peasantry
    • Taxes often used to finance wars and support nobility's lifestyle (castles, tournaments)
  • The (1337-1453) and other conflicts strained economy
    • Increased military expenditure led to higher taxes ( in France)
  • Crop failures and famines exacerbated economic hardship
    • Poor harvests in early 14th century led to food shortages and rising prices ( 1315-1317)
  • Combination of high taxes and economic distress fueled peasant discontent
    • Peasants felt exploited and oppressed by ruling class ()

Consequences of revolts on social order

  • Most peasant revolts ultimately suppressed by authorities
    • The Jacquerie crushed by French nobility within a few weeks
    • The English Peasants' Revolt quelled by King Richard II's forces (Battle of North Walsham)
  • Some short-term concessions made to appease peasants
    • In England, poll tax abolished and some rebels pardoned ()
  • Long-term impact on social and political order limited
    • Fundamental structure of feudal society remained largely unchanged
    • Serfdom persisted in many parts of Europe until late 18th or early 19th centuries (Russia, Prussia)
  • Peasant revolts demonstrated potential for mass mobilization and resistance
    • Ruling classes became more aware of need to address peasant grievances ()
    • Some historians argue revolts contributed to gradual erosion of feudalism (rise of towns, money economy)

Key Terms to Review (21)

Catalonian Revolt: The Catalonian Revolt, also known as the Reaper's War, was an uprising that took place in the mid-17th century in Catalonia against the rule of the Spanish crown. This conflict emerged as a response to economic hardship, heavy taxation, and the imposition of military conscription during the Thirty Years' War, reflecting widespread social unrest and discontent within the peasantry and urban populations.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the conflict of interests between different social classes, particularly between the ruling class and the working class. This concept highlights the ways in which economic inequalities can lead to tension and conflict, often resulting in social unrest and revolts. Throughout history, these struggles have played a significant role in shaping societies, as those with fewer resources challenge the status quo and demand better living conditions and rights.
Collective action: Collective action refers to the organized efforts of a group of individuals to achieve a common goal, often in response to social or economic grievances. This type of action is crucial during periods of unrest, as it enables individuals to unify their efforts against perceived injustices or oppression. By mobilizing together, people can amplify their voices, share resources, and increase their chances of effecting change in their society.
Corvée labor: Corvée labor refers to a system of unpaid, forced labor imposed by a government or authority on its subjects. This practice was often used to carry out public works projects, such as roads and bridges, and was a significant source of resentment among peasants, leading to social unrest and peasant revolts throughout the Middle Ages.
English Peasants' Revolt: The English Peasants' Revolt was a major uprising that occurred in 1381, driven by widespread discontent among the peasantry over oppressive taxation, social inequality, and feudal oppression. This revolt is significant as it highlighted the growing tension between the lower classes and the ruling elite, and it marked a pivotal moment in the history of social unrest in England.
Feudal oppression: Feudal oppression refers to the socio-economic system in medieval Europe where serfs and peasants were subjected to the authority and demands of landowning nobles. This system created a stark class divide, as lords exploited the labor of peasants in exchange for protection and land access, often leading to widespread discontent and unrest among the lower classes.
Great Famine: The Great Famine was a catastrophic period of widespread hunger that occurred in Europe from 1315 to 1322, primarily caused by a series of poor harvests, bad weather, and rising food prices. This disaster significantly affected urban populations and contributed to social unrest as people struggled for survival, highlighting the vulnerabilities of medieval society and its economic systems.
Hundred years' war: The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. This prolonged struggle marked significant developments in warfare, national identity, and political power, shaping the future of both nations and influencing the broader medieval period.
Jacquerie: The jacquerie was a massive peasant revolt that occurred in France in 1358, primarily driven by social unrest and economic grievances in the wake of the Hundred Years' War. This uprising highlighted the severe tensions between the peasantry and the nobility, as peasants sought to address oppressive taxation and feudal obligations. The jacquerie reflects broader themes of social unrest during the Middle Ages, showcasing how economic hardship could ignite widespread rebellion among the lower classes.
Jacquerie: Jacquerie refers to a large-scale peasant uprising that occurred in France in 1358, primarily as a response to the socio-economic hardships faced by rural communities during the aftermath of the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. This revolt is significant as it embodies the social unrest and frustrations of the peasantry against the oppressive feudal system and the nobility, illustrating the deep-rooted tensions between different social classes at the time.
Magna Carta: The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a landmark document that established the principle of limited government and the rule of law in England. It marked a significant moment in the medieval period as it curtailed the powers of the king and laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments, influencing various political structures and social hierarchies across Europe.
Nobility: Nobility refers to a privileged social class that typically holds hereditary titles and enjoys certain legal and social privileges. In medieval society, nobility played a crucial role in the feudal system, influencing governance, military power, and culture, while also being characterized by a distinct social hierarchy and obligations to their vassals and the king.
Serfdom: Serfdom was a system of labor prevalent in medieval Europe where peasants were bound to the land they worked and subject to the will of their landowners. These serfs were not slaves, as they could not be bought or sold, but they had limited rights and were required to provide labor and services to their lords in exchange for protection and the right to work a portion of the land for their own sustenance. This system deeply influenced rural life and agricultural practices, as well as the dynamics of social unrest and peasant revolts during the Middle Ages.
Smithfield Agreement: The Smithfield Agreement was a significant document established in 1381 during the aftermath of the Peasants' Revolt in England. It represented a crucial moment of negotiation between King Richard II and the rebels, addressing the grievances and demands of the peasantry regarding taxation and labor conditions. This agreement attempted to bring stability following widespread social unrest and highlighted the growing tensions between the ruling class and the common people.
Statute of Labourers: The Statute of Labourers was a law enacted in England in 1351 that aimed to regulate the wages and working conditions of laborers in the aftermath of the Black Death. It was part of a broader effort by the ruling classes to control the labor market and prevent wage inflation caused by the drastic reduction in the workforce. This statute represented an attempt to maintain social order amidst rising social unrest and peasant revolts during the period.
Taille: The taille was a direct tax imposed on the peasantry in France during the Middle Ages, primarily levied on landowners to fund royal expenses and military campaigns. This tax was a key source of revenue for the monarchy but also became a significant point of contention, contributing to social unrest and peasant revolts due to its burden on the lower classes. The taille was often perceived as unfair and oppressive, fueling resentment among the working class and highlighting the growing divide between the privileged nobility and impoverished peasants.
Taxation: Taxation refers to the system through which a government collects money from its citizens and businesses to fund public services and projects. This practice became increasingly important as centralized states emerged, replacing feudal systems where local lords had more control over taxes. As kingdoms sought to raise revenue for wars and administrative functions, taxation also played a significant role in fostering social unrest, as it often burdened the lower classes who struggled to meet these demands.
The Black Death: The Black Death refers to the devastating pandemic of bubonic plague that swept through Europe and Asia during the mid-14th century, leading to the deaths of an estimated 25 to 30 million people. This catastrophic event not only marked a major turning point in the medieval period but also had profound long-term effects on European society and culture, significantly impacting social structures, economies, and human relationships.
The English Peasants' Revolt: The English Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a significant uprising against economic oppression and social injustice, driven primarily by peasants and laborers across England. This revolt emerged in response to heavy taxation, particularly the poll tax, and a desire for greater social equality, making it a crucial moment in the history of social unrest and peasant revolts.
The hundred years' war: The Hundred Years' War was a prolonged conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453, characterized by a series of battles and political struggles over territorial claims and the right to rule. This conflict had far-reaching social and political consequences, reshaping the identities of both nations and altering their social structures. The war also fueled unrest among the lower classes, leading to significant peasant revolts as economic hardship increased during and after the conflict.
Wat Tyler: Wat Tyler was a key leader of the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381, which was a major uprising against social and economic injustices faced by the lower classes. His actions and leadership galvanized the peasants to march on London, demanding reforms such as the abolition of serfdom and reductions in taxes. The revolt is significant as it highlights the growing tensions between the peasant class and the ruling elite during a time of economic hardship and social inequality.
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