The Peasants' Revolt
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a major uprising in England, driven by discontent over heavy taxation and social inequality. The revolt began in Essex and quickly spread to London, where thousands of peasants demanded reforms, including the abolition of serfdom and the reduction of taxes. Key figures included Wat Tyler, who emerged as a leader, and John Ball, a priest who preached about social justice.
The revolt was initially successful, with rebels capturing the Tower of London and killing several officials. However, it was ultimately suppressed by the government forces, leading to harsh reprisals against the participants. Despite its failure, the revolt highlighted the growing tensions between the lower classes and the ruling elite.