The Peasants Revolt

1. The Peasants Revolt 

Causes: 

• Statute of Laborers – passed by the king to limit peasants power following the Black Death (1/3 of the population was killed, so the peasants left over got more money and free reign). Peasants were angered as people were trying to lower their wages, or they were forced to work for their old Lord. 
• The new king was inexperienced and too young – his advisor, John of Gaunt, encouraged him to raise taxes. 
• King Richard made the poll tax to fund the 100 years' war – people had to pay lots of money, this was unfair to poor peasants. 
• The church…