In the summer of 1381, an army of medieval peasants marched on London. The Peasants Revolt was triggered by King Richard II's poll tax, which was seen as a cruel burden on the already impoverished peasants. But the revolt is unfairly characterized as an unorganized mob of poor farmers. It was a strategic uprising that included all walks of society. The army included parish priests, laborers, artisans, and small traders who also supported the rebellion. The rebellion was fueled by discontent caused by a battered economy, the heavy toll of ongoing wars with France, and the demands of the feudal system. The rebellion initially achieved some success, with rebels capturing London and negotiating with the king, but it was ultimately crushed by the royal army, resulting in the death of many rebels.

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