Revolt of the va-nu-pieds

Quick Facts: Who was Revolt of the va-nu-pieds?

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Revolt of the va-nu-pieds

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Unsuccessful popular uprising in Normandy, France, triggered by new salt taxes.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The revolt of the va-nu-pieds (French pronunciation: [vanypje], barefooted ones) was an unsuccessful popular uprising in Normandy in 1639 following King Louis XIII's decision to set up the gabelle salt tax in Cotentin in place of the privilege of the quart-bouillon. The Nu-Pieds revolt was the culmination of a series of troubles or “agitations” that shook Normandy for more than a decade. For some time, the royal budget had been in deficit (58 million livres in 1639 at a total expenditure of 172 million). To finance itself, the kingdom issued fiscal expedients. Normandy, one of the richest provinces of the kingdom, was obliged to make strong contributions.

Career & Major Achievements

Each time, the fiscal pressure provoked problems, like in Rouen in 1623, when people protested against the obligation to pay charges for brouettiers, for chiffonniers etc. to the tax office; or in 1628 and 1634 in protest against a tax on leather markings. On 16 July 1639, Charles Le Poupinel, in charge of collecting taxes, is assassinated by the people of Avranches. The troubles quickly spread throughout the region, as far as Caen, Rouen and Bayeux. The general of the insurgents, Jean Quetil, takes the name of Jean Nu-Pied. The jacquerie brought together almost all social categories: peasants (labourers, salt workers, etc.), ploughmen, clerks, gentlemen, often impoverished, who were responsible for military exercise, but also the little robins who were jealous of the officers of gabelle who have succeeded.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Following their predecessors in the region, the Gautiers who supported the Catholic League, their revolt was very religious. They place themselves under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. Very influential in the Norman revolt, the priests framed the rebels. The idea is spreading that under the old law of the Charter to the Normans of 1315, it is the Normans who must set the tax. There is strong regional cohesion.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1315: 1315 Milestone — The idea is spreading that under the old law of the Charter to the Normans of 1315, it is the Normans who must set the tax.
2. 1623: 1623 Milestone — Each time, the fiscal pressure provoked problems, like in Rouen in 1623, when people protested against the obligation to pay charges for brouettiers, for chiffonniers etc.
3. 1628: 1628 Milestone — to the tax office; or in 1628 and 1634 in protest against a tax on leather markings.
4. 1639: 1639 Milestone — The revolt of the va-nu-pieds (French pronunciation: [vanypje], barefooted ones) was an unsuccessful popular uprising in Normandy in 1639 following King Louis XIII's decision to set up the gabelle salt tax in Cotentin in place of the privilege of the quart-bouillon.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Revolt of the va-nu-pieds

True or False: “The revolt of the va-nu-pieds was primarily a protest against the imposition of the gabelle salt tax in Cotentin.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The uprising was directly triggered by King Louis XIII's decision to implement the gabelle salt tax in Cotentin.

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