20 Times Commoners Defied Kings… and Won

Although the Magna Carta is often associated with the nobility, it enjoyed the support of broader segments of English society, particularly merchants and townspeople who were dissatisfied with King John’s policies. In 1215, under pressure from his opponents, the king was forced to seal the document at Runnymede. 

In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, rural communities in the Swiss Alps resisted attempts by the Habsburg dynasty to strengthen its hold over them. Their forces won several significant victories, most notably the Battle of Morgarten in 1315. These successes helped lay the foundation for Swiss independence.

In 1302, the French knights expected an easy victory over the rebels from the cities of Flanders. Instead, an infantry force composed largely of artisans and militiamen defeated the French army near Kortrijk. This victory shocked Europe, as heavily armed nobles had been defeated by ordinary citizens on foot.

The peasants of Dithmarschen, in present-day Germany, enjoyed remarkable autonomy. In 1500, they faced an invasion led by King John of Denmark and his allies. Although vastly outnumbered, the peasants used their local knowledge and tactics to win a decisive victory.

In the 16th century, many people in the Netherlands opposed the rule of King Philip II of Spain. Merchants, artisans, and local militias played a major role in the Dutch Revolt. Their long struggle ultimately led to the creation of an independent Dutch Republic.

At the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the Scottish army consisted largely of ordinary infantrymen. Facing a numerically superior English army led by King Edward II, they held their ground and won a decisive victory. This outcome secured Scotland’s independence for several generations.

The wealthy city of Ghent often resisted attempts by monarchs to curtail its privileges. During the 14th and 15th centuries, members of local guilds and merchants organized revolts against their rulers. While not all of these uprisings were successful, several of them did force kings and dukes to make significant concessions.

In the early 16th century, many ordinary Swedes were growing increasingly dissatisfied with Danish rule under King Christian II. Peasants and miners joined Gustav Vasa’s rebellion, providing him with manpower and support. Their success contributed to the establishment of an independent Swedish kingdom in 1523.

When Portugal sought to free itself from Spanish rule in 1640, support was not limited to the nobility alone. Merchants, soldiers, and townspeople also contributed to this effort. The conflict ended with the restoration of the monarchy and Portugal’s independence.

The people of Liège have often fought to preserve their local rights against rulers who sought to centralize power. Artisans and merchants played a leading role in several uprisings. Although their victories were sometimes only temporary, the commoners repeatedly forced the rulers to negotiate.

In 1640, tensions between the local population and the Spanish monarchy led to a rebellion in Catalonia. Peasants, farmworkers, and city dwellers took part in this uprising. This revolt weakened royal authority in the region and led to significant political changes.

Many of the soldiers who fought alongside Parliament during the English Civil War came from humble backgrounds. Their victory over King Charles I profoundly changed English political life. The king was eventually tried and executed—an extraordinary outcome for that era.

During the “Time of Troubles” in Russia, ordinary citizens joined the ranks of volunteer forces to resist foreign intervention. In 1612, these militias helped drive the occupying troops out of Moscow. Their success paved the way for the rise of the Romanov dynasty.

In 1647, a tax dispute sparked a popular uprising in Naples, led by Tommaso Aniello, nicknamed Masaniello. Fishermen, laborers, and artisans rallied to the cause against the Spanish authorities. Although the rebellion was short-lived, it forced the rulers to address the widespread grievances of the population.

For centuries, many Frisian communities retained an extraordinary degree of autonomy. Local farmers formed militias to defend their autonomy against neighboring rulers. Their resistance made it possible to preserve regional freedoms for longer than many outside observers would have imagined.

In 1789, the inhabitants of the Austrian Netherlands revolted against the reforms imposed by Emperor Joseph II. Merchants, professionals, and local citizens supported this movement. 

The kings of France had long exercised extensive power, but growing discontent finally boiled over in 1789. The common people of Paris played a central role in events such as the storming of the Bastille. 

Unlike many regions in Europe, Norway has retained a large class of independent farmers. These landowners were involved in local governance and often opposed measures they considered harmful. 

Although Iceland came under Norwegian and then Danish rule, local assemblies retained their importance for centuries. Ordinary landowners served on these governing bodies and defended their traditions. 

In 1830, the inhabitants of the southern provinces of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands rose up against King William I. This movement enjoyed the support of workers, merchants, and members of the middle class.