Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the differing interpretations that exist regarding the causes of the Peasants' Revolt. They will examine the impact of the Black Death on England alongside the short-term causes of the uprising.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how a background of conflict influenced Richard II's policies.

Key Notes

• Richer people tended to be able to escape the worst effects of the plague.
• In 1377, the ten-year-old Richard became king. He was largely controlled by his uncle, John of Gaunt.
• Richard inherited a continuing war with France, the Hundred Years' War.
• A poll tax was introduced because kings needed money to continue the war against France.
• The poll tax became even more unpopular when Richard II tripled the tax from 4 pence to 12 pence.

Vocabulary To Learn

• heir: a person who expects to inherit a position
• poll tax: a payment made to the government by every adult, regardless of how wealthy they are

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• People at the time called the conflict the Hundred Years' War.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• The causes of the Peasants' Revolt Study Guide
• The decline of the feudal system Study Guide
• The impact of the Black Death on England Study Guide
• The Peasants' Revolt Study Guide
• The Statute of Labourers and the response to the Black Death Study Guide