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 different causes of the Peasants' Revolt.

Key Notes

• The Peasants' Revolt began in June 1381 when residents of a town in Essex refused to pay the poll tax.
• Wat Tyler, a low-born labourer from Essex, became the leader of the revolt.
• Rebels committed acts of violence against the king's tax collectors and the king's advisors.
• The Peasants' Revolt was a failure for the peasants but strengthened the position of Richard II.
• Historians do not agree on the causes of the Peasants' Revolt.

Vocabulary To Learn

• revolt: violent action against a government or ruler
• poll tax: a payment made to the government by every adult, regardless of how wealthy they are
• serf: a peasant bound to work on a certain piece of land

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Revolts and rebellions are driven purely by rage and frustration.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Richard II and the war in France Study Guide
• 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 Statute of Labourers and the response to the Black Death Study Guide