The largest and bloodiest peasant uprising in Europe, the German Peasants’ War was influenced by the Reformation and rising discontent with feudal exploitation in the Holy Roman Empire. Peasants, inspired by reformers like Martin Luther (initially), demanded the abolition of serfdom, reduction of taxes, and greater social equality.

The revolt involved hundreds of thousands of peasants who formed armed bands and attacked castles and monasteries. Despite initial successes, the revolt was brutally crushed by princely armies. The defeat reinforced feudal structures, but the uprising left a lasting legacy in the struggle for social justice.

The Jacquerie (1358)

In France, the Jacquerie was a violent peasant uprising during the Hundred Years’ War. Widespread destruction and chaos due to warfare, coupled with taxation and nobility abuses, led peasants to revolt violently against the aristocracy. The revolt was short-lived but brutal, with both peasants and nobles suffering atrocities.

The Russian Peasant Rebellions

Russia witnessed numerous peasant uprisings over centuries, often linked to the harsh serfdom system. One notable example is the Pugachev Rebellion (1773-1775) during Catherine the Great’s reign, where Cossack Yemelyan Pugachev led a multi-ethnic revolt promising liberation of serfs and a return to older, freer customs. The revolt was ultimately crushed, but it revealed deep societal tensions. shutdown123