

SYMHC Classics: Wat Tyler’s Rebellion
12 snips Jun 14, 2025
Explore the tumultuous events of Wat Tyler’s Rebellion, sparked by rampant taxation and social inequality. Discover the lasting impacts of the Black Death on England's economy, leading to a newfound power for surviving laborers. Uncover the diverse participants of the uprising, from peasants to women, and the dynamic class tensions that fueled the revolt. Reflect on the violent clashes between rebels and the monarchy, and consider the rebellion's enduring legacy in shaping future social movements across Europe.
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Black Death's Slow Impact
- The Black Death did not instantly cause the Renaissance; change was gradual over decades.
- This plague devastated Europe, killing up to half the population and altering labor and social structures.
Feudal System Disrupted
- England's feudal land system tied peasants to landlords with obligations, not freedom.
- The Black Death caused labor shortages disrupting this system, causing landlords to face surplus livestock and wasted crops.
Church Power Undermined
- The Black Death weakened the Church by killing clergy who served the sick, sowing distrust among the people.
- New, less devoted clergy replaced them, diminishing the Church's moral authority during crisis.