Tuchin revolt facts for kids
The Tuchin revolt (also known as the tuchinat in French) was a series of protests and uprisings by ordinary people like workers and craftspeople in Southern France. It happened between 1378 and 1384 because people were unhappy about high taxes.
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Why the Tuchins Rebelled
In 1378, the local government in a town called Le Puy decided to add a new tax. This tax was a fixed amount on things people bought and used every day. The money from this tax was meant to help pay for the ongoing Hundred Years' War with England.
When the new tax was announced, people were very upset. A letter written later described how they cried out, "Oh, how will we live? How can we feed our children? We can't afford these heavy taxes!" They felt the taxes were unfair and that richer people had influenced the decision to make the poor pay more.
How the Revolt Spread
The anger about these heavy taxes quickly spread across Southern France. People were tired of paying for the king's war.
Protests in Béziers
In September 1381, the workers in the city of Béziers also rebelled. They were upset about unfair ways the direct taxes were being collected. A large crowd stormed the town hall and even set fire to one of its towers.
The Duke's Response
The ruler of the region, the Duke of Berry, acted very quickly to stop the rebellion in Béziers. He ordered that 41 of the rebels be executed in the town square. This was meant to be a warning to others.
The End of the Revolt
The Tuchin revolt continued in different areas until 1384. Eventually, the Duke of Berry managed to put an end to all the uprisings.
