The Peasants’ revolt of 1381 (also known as Wat Tyler’s Rebellion) was caused by the imposition of the unpopular poll tax. In 1377, John of Gaunt imposed a new tax, the Poll Tax, that was to cover the cost of the war. Unlike normal taxes, this was to be paid by the peasants, as well as the landowners. The peasants were at the bottom of the Feudal System and had to obey their local lord to whom they had sworn an oath of obedience on the Bible.At the time of the revolt, the English population was dealing with effects from the black plague and other wars that are going to start, started already or have ended. The peasants’ revolt was a significant event of the middle ages and had a lasting impact on society.
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