Good Example Of The Peasant Revolts Essay

The English Peasant Revolt of 1381 and the German Peasant Revolts of 1524-1526 happened in the medieval age which is popularly considered as the age of faith when Christianity informed every area of life and guided people’s actions and reaction. The revolts therefore were inspired by both religious and economic factors. Even though the German revolt was mostly socio-economically motivated, there were some religious aspects to it. The English Revolt was fuelled by revolutionary theology of John Ball. The revolt was characterized by violent protests that were aimed at removing the corrupt from the leadership of the church. On the other hand, The German revolt was fuelled by pressure for feudalism and serfdom and heavy taxes imposed on the lower class.
It is safe to argue that religious factors played a major role, this was especially so due to heresy and inciting theological rhetoric. Even though economic and social factors are mostly cited as being responsible for the English revolt, the hefty taxes and unfair labour practices oon the commoners had been established a long time before the peasant revolt occurred. A look at the nature and magnitude of the revolt also reveals that it is not just peasants who participated but also the more affluent of the peasants, priests and judges. For this reason, it could not just have been purely economic and social factors as some of the participants were not afflicted by the unfair treatment of workers and heavy taxes. On the other hand, the revolt was widespread and involved people from all walks of life. This would not have been possible unless the people had a higher conviction for their actions.
Priests who were formerly from th e peasants and had risen in ranks were deemed to be corrupt and mismanaged the wealth of the people. This may have led to the bitterness that contributed to the revolt. It is notable that from the writings of Wyclife, he did not envision peasants rising up to take up the wealth of the church. The Catholic church hierarchy, Wycliffe’s writings and egalitarian thology incited the peasants resulting into the revolt. For this reason, it is safe to conclude that the revolt happened because of a society that was already burdened by social and economical issues. These issues were further pressuirsed by the rising religious dissent, resulting into the peasant revolt.
Even though economic and social factors are mostly cited as being responsible for the English revolt, the hefty taxes and unfair labour practices oon the commoners had been established a long time before the peasant revolt occurred. A look at the nature and magnitude of the revolt also reveals that it is not just peasants who participated but also the more affluent of the peasants, priests and judges. For this reason, it could not just have been purely economic and social factors as some of the participants were not afflicted by the unfair treatment of workers and heavy taxes. On the other hand, the revolt was widespread and involved people from all walks of life. This would not have been possible unless the people had a higher conviction for their actions.

The German revolt and the English peasant revolt, therefore had both economical and social factors.

Role of religion
Economic
Conclusion