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Year 7 - History

The impact of the Black Death on England

The Peasants' Revolt: why do historians disagree about its causes?

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 recognise that the Peasants' Revolt had multiple causes and describe the appearance of the Black Death in England.

Key Notes

  • The Peasants' Revolt took place in 1381.
  • The Peasants' Revolt had many long-term causes.
  • Some historians argue that the Black Death was related to the causes of the Peasants' Revolt.
  • The Black Death arrived in England in 1348.
  • The Black Death killed around half of the English population.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • peasant: a person in the medieval period who worked the land and had few legal protections
  • rebellion: an act of direct resistance against a leader or government
  • feudal system: the social system of medieval England, with peasants, lords and the king in a strict hierarchy
  • bubo: a swelling of the lymph nodes and a symptom of the plague

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Historical events have one cause.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Peasants' Revolt took place in 1381. The Peasants' Revolt had many long-term causes.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'peasant'

a person in the medieval period who worked the land and had few legal protections.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Historical events have one cause. Correction: This will be addressed across the course of the unit, but within this lesson it is worth drawing attention to the competing causes listed in the discussion of the Peasants' Revolt.

More Lessons In This Unit

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