Communism or Capitalism

Originally posted by pekau Even when commoners united to revolt against the nobles, they almost always failed? Why? They are easily beaten back by professional troops, and the riot scatters since they don't want to sacrifice their life for the goal to be achieved.

Generally it had more to do with lack of organization.

Peasants could be motivated to risk their lives, and did so quite a few times. In the Peasant's Revolt, for instance, they defeated royal forces, took control of the capitol, stormed the Tower of London, and executed the Lord Chancellor and several other key officials. King Richard II actually had to call up a militia (that is, other peasants) before they could be put down.