Question 1

Why did the Peasants' Revolt happen in 1381?

Accepted Answer

The Peasants' Revolt was caused by a combination of long-term and short-term factors. Long-term causes included the Black Death (1348-1349), which led to labour shortages and higher wages, but the government passed the Statute of Labourers (1351) to cap wages, causing resentment. The Hundred Years' War required heavy taxes, such as the poll tax of 1381, which was a flat tax on every adult. Short-term triggers included the harsh collection of the poll tax in Essex and Kent, and the actions of officials like John Bampton. The rebels demanded an end to serfdom, lower taxes, and the removal of unpopular officials.

Question 2

What was the Black Death and how did it change England?

Accepted Answer

The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that reached England in 1348 and killed about one-third of the population by 1349. It caused severe labour shortages, meaning peasants could demand higher wages and better conditions. Landlords tried to enforce pre-plague wages through the Statute of Labourers (1351), but many peasants resisted. The shortage of workers also led to the decline of the manorial system, as lords had to rent out land or pay higher wages. This increased social mobility and weakened feudalism, setting the stage for the Peasants' Revolt.

Question 3

Who was Wat Tyler and why is he important?

Accepted Answer

Wat Tyler was the leader of the Kentish rebels during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. He emerged as a charismatic leader who united the rebels and led the march on London. Tyler met King Richard II at Smithfield on 15 June 1381, where he presented the rebels' demands, including the abolition of serfdom and the removal of traitors. However, during the meeting, Tyler was killed by the Mayor of London, William Walworth, after an alleged altercation. His death led to the collapse of the revolt, as the rebels lost their leader and were persuaded to disperse by Richard II's promises.

Question 4

What was the Hundred Years' War and why did it start?

Accepted Answer

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453. It started because King Edward III of England claimed the French throne after the death of the last Capetian king, Charles IV, in 1328. The French chose Philip VI of Valois instead, leading to a dispute. Edward also wanted to regain English territories in France, such as Gascony. The war was fought mainly in France, with major English victories at Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), thanks to the effective use of longbowmen. The war drained England's resources and led to high taxes, which contributed to domestic unrest.

Question 5

How did the Church contribute to the upheaval in this period?

Accepted Answer

The Church was a major landowner and political power in medieval England, but it faced criticism during this period. John Wycliffe, an Oxford scholar, argued that the Church was too wealthy and corrupt, and he promoted a simpler faith based on the Bible. His followers, the Lollards, spread these ideas, which challenged Church authority. The Church also played a role in the Peasants' Revolt: the rebel priest John Ball preached radical ideas about equality, such as 'When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?' The Church's wealth and power made it a target for rebels, who attacked Church property and killed the Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury.

Question 6

What were the consequences of the Peasants' Revolt?

Accepted Answer

In the short term, the revolt failed: Richard II revoked his promises, and many rebels were executed. However, the revolt had long-term consequences. It made the ruling class realise that they could not push peasants too far, and serfdom gradually declined. The poll tax was abandoned, and Parliament became more cautious about granting taxes. The revolt also showed that ordinary people could organise and challenge authority, inspiring future movements. While the immediate changes were limited, the revolt contributed to the end of feudalism in England.

Conflict and Upheaval: England, 1337-1381

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