Detailed Explanation of The Peasants’ Revolt (1381) 🌾⚔️

The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 was a major uprising across England caused by unfair taxes and poor treatment of peasants. It is an important event in British history because it showed how common people could stand up against the government.

Causes of The Peasants’ Revolt 🏚️💰

One of the key causes of the Peasants’ Revolt was the poll tax. This was a tax that everyone over a certain age had to pay, regardless of how much money they had. The government needed money to pay for wars, so they kept increasing this tax. This made many peasants, who were already poor, very angry because they could not afford to pay it.

Another cause was the horrible conditions peasants lived in after the Black Death, which had killed many people. Labour was in short supply, so peasants wanted better wages and freedoms, but the government tried to stop this by forcing them to work for low pay and obey strict rules. This made tensions grow.

Key Figures: Wat Tyler and Others 🧑‍🌾🔥

The leader of the revolt was Wat Tyler, a charismatic man who helped organise the peasants. Alongside him were other important figures such as John Ball, a priest who inspired the rebels with ideas about equality, saying things like “When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?” This meant everyone should be equal because all humans started the same.

Main Events of the Revolt 🚩🏰

The revolt started in Essex and quickly spread to Kent and then London. Thousands of peasants marched to London, demanding an end to the poll tax, serfdom (being tied to the land), and unfair laws.

They took control of parts of London, destroying tax records and attacking property of nobles and royal officials. Wat Tyler met with King Richard II, who was only 14 years old. During their second meeting, Tyler was killed, which caused confusion and fear amongst the rebels.

Despite Tyler’s death, the peasants continued their protests, but the revolt eventually lost momentum. The government promised reforms to calm the rebels but later ignored most of these promises.

Long-Term Significance 📜⚖️

Although the Peasants’ Revolt did not immediately change laws, it was very important in history. It showed that poor people could organise and challenge the feudal system. Over time, the power of peasants grew, and serfdom slowly declined.

The revolt also made the government more careful about how they collected taxes and treated common people. It was a step towards more fairness and helped shape English society in the following centuries.

10 Examination-Style 1-Mark Questions on The Peasants’ Revolt (1381) ❓

  1. What type of tax was hated and helped cause the Peasants’ Revolt?
    Answer: Poll
  2. Who was the main leader of the Peasants’ Revolt?
    Answer: Tyler
  3. Which king faced the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381?
    Answer: Richard
  4. In which year did the Peasants’ Revolt take place?
    Answer: 1381
  5. What was the main social group involved in the revolt?
    Answer: Peasants
  6. Which document was demanded by rebels for freedom from serfdom?
    Answer: Charter
  7. Where did Wat Tyler meet the king before he was killed?
    Answer: Smithfield
  8. Which city was the focus of much of the revolt?
    Answer: London
  9. What was a key cause of the revolt aside from the poll tax?
    Answer: Feudalism
  10. What is the revolt’s long-term significance in reducing serfdom called?
    Answer: Freedom

10 Examination-Style 2-Mark Questions on The Peasants’ Revolt (1381) 📚

  1. What was the main cause of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381?
  2. How did the poll tax contribute to the start of the Peasants’ Revolt?
  3. Who was Wat Tyler and what role did he play in the Peasants’ Revolt?
  4. Name one key event that took place during the Peasants’ Revolt.
  5. What was the significance of the meeting between Wat Tyler and King Richard II?
  6. Explain why peasants were unhappy with the government before the revolt.
  7. What demand did the peasants make regarding serfdom during the revolt?
  8. What happened to Wat Tyler during the revolt?
  9. How did the government respond to the Peasants’ Revolt after it ended?
  10. Why is the Peasants’ Revolt considered important in English history today?

10 Examination-Style 4-Mark Questions on The Peasants’ Revolt (1381) ✍️

  1. Explain the main cause of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, focusing on the role of the poll tax.
  2. Describe who Wat Tyler was and explain why he was important during the Peasants’ Revolt.
  3. Outline the key events that took place during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381.
  4. Explain how the poll tax affected the people and led to the rebellion in 1381.
  5. Describe the role of peasants and villagers in the Peasants’ Revolt and what they wanted to achieve.
  6. Explain what happened to Wat Tyler during the revolt and how this event affected the rebellion.
  7. Describe how the rebels showed their anger during the Peasants’ Revolt and what they did in London.
  8. Explain the response of King Richard II during the Peasants’ Revolt and what promises he made to the rebels.
  9. Discuss the short-term outcomes of the Peasants’ Revolt once it had been put down by the authorities.
  10. Explain the long-term significance of the Peasants’ Revolt for the people of England.

10 Examination-Style 6-Mark Questions on The Peasants’ Revolt (1381) 📖

  1. Explain the role of the poll tax as a cause of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381. Use detailed examples in your answer.
  2. Describe who Wat Tyler was and how he became an important leader of the Peasants’ Revolt.
  3. What were the main events during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381? Provide a clear and detailed overview.
  4. Evaluate the reasons why the peasants were unhappy and decided to take part in the revolt.
  5. How did the government respond to the Peasants’ Revolt, and what impact did this have on the rebellion’s outcome?
  6. Discuss how Wat Tyler’s leadership influenced the course of the Peasants’ Revolt.
  7. What demands did the rebels make during the Peasants’ Revolt? Explain why these were important to them.
  8. Assess the immediate effects of the Peasants’ Revolt on English society in the years following 1381.
  9. Explain the long-term significance of the Peasants’ Revolt for English peasants and rulers.
  10. To what extent did the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 change the relationship between peasants and the ruling class? Use examples to support your answer.