The Peasants’ Revolt in England (1381)

The English Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 is among the best-documented uprisings. Sparked by new poll taxes and worsening economic conditions following the Black Death, peasants led by Wat Tyler and preacher John Ball marched on London, demanding an end to serfdom and oppressive taxes. King Richard II initially promised reforms but later crushed the revolt.

The German Peasants’ War (1524–1525)

Perhaps the largest and most ideologically charged peasant uprising, the German Peasants’ War involved approximately 300,000 peasants across the Holy Roman Empire. Influenced by the ideas of the Protestant Reformation, peasants demanded social justice, fair rents, and the abolition of serfdom. The revolt was suppressed with great bloodshed, but it signaled the growing political consciousness of common people.

Other Medieval Uprisings

The Ciompi Revolt (1378) in Florence was a wool workers’ uprising with strong peasant participation.

The English Cornish Rebellion (1497) was fueled by tax protests.

Numerous smaller revolts occurred in Eastern Europe, Russia, and elsewhere.

Peasant Revolts in Asia

Peasant revolts were also significant in Asian history, often connected to dynastic change or imperial decline.

The Yellow Turban Rebellion (184 CE)

During the late Eastern Han dynasty in China, the Yellow Turban Rebellion was a massive peasant uprising inspired by Taoist millenarianism. Economic distress, famine, and corruption fueled this revolt, which contributed to the fall of the Han dynasty. shutdown123