This topic explores the challenges to established authority and the feudal system in medieval England, focusing on key events such as the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 and the decline of feudalism. Students will examine how social, economic, and political pressures, including the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, undermined the traditional hierarchy. Understanding these challenges is crucial for grasping the shift from medieval to early modern society, where centralized monarchies began to replace feudal structures.
The feudal system, based on land ownership and obligations between lords and vassals, was the backbone of medieval society. However, by the 14th century, it faced significant strain. The Black Death (1348-1349) drastically reduced the population, creating labour shortages that empowered peasants to demand higher wages and better conditions. This, combined with heavy taxation to fund wars in France, led to widespread discontent. The Peasants' Revolt of 1381, led by Wat Tyler and John Ball, was a direct challenge to royal authority and the feudal order, demanding an end to serfdom and fairer laws.
This topic fits into the wider AQA GCSE History syllabus by illustrating the transition from medieval to early modern Britain. It connects to themes of power, rebellion, and social change, and provides a foundation for understanding later challenges to authority, such as the English Civil War. By studying the causes, events, and consequences of the Peasants' Revolt, students learn how ordinary people could influence the course of history and how governments respond to crises.