During the late fourteenth century, there was a change from medieval to times that are more modern. There was a change in society like none before. There were significant changes due to the Black Death that had cause serious disruptions to life. The English Peasant's Revolt of 1381 is one of the first consequences due to these changes. The peasants' actions show how workers and everyday people reacted to the destruction caused by the Black Death. The events leading up to the Revolt of 1381 tell us the reaction of society when it is changed to rapidly for all to adjust.
Tensions had been building for a long time. There had been many uprisings due to the tensions between the working class and the ruling class. The biggest hassle came after a poll tax had been introduced. The structure of the feudal system had been changing due to the plagues that were causing great destruction among people. There were great economic pressures and great financial burdens being placed on the lower classes. There was a spread of unorthodox views spreading throughout the religious community also. The uprising started within the working class and moved upward throughout urban areas.
Many events led to the rebellion. Not only was the burden of taxation a main ingredient of the rebellion, but due to the plagues sweeping through the country, the number of workers was greatly reduced. Up to one-third of the English population was destroyed by disease. Even after the Revolt of 1381, more plagues brought forth more deterioration. This brought more drops in food, wages, and inflation for basic goods.
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Herman, Jack R.
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