Betrayal Breeds Bloodshed

On June 15, 1381, the meeting between Watt Tyler and King Richard quickly devolved from a moment of negotiation to chaos, illustrating how broken promises and escalating tensions can lead to violence. Despite the initial agreement on significant reforms like ending serfdom and redistributing church lands, personal insults ignited the situation, leading to Tyler's violent death at the hands of the king's soldiers. This pivotal moment catalyzed a brutal crackdown on the rebels, resulting in the slaughter of hundreds and the gruesome execution of their leader, John Ball, emphasizing the severe consequences of betrayal in the face of collective uprising.