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1.The cycle of revolt, suppression, and loosening of restrictions goes back to the Black Death. Due to recurrent mortality on a grand scale and resulting decline in population, England had a serious labor shortage, particularly between 1360-late 1400's. The aristocracy tried to prevent the peasants from taking advantage of this to demand decent wages and and end to serfdom. People responded initially by voting with their feet. (Serfs fled their villages in attempt to be free and find better opportunities elsewhere).

Then the government imposed a poll tax in the early 1380's (Exact date escapes me), and most of Southern England rose up, killed the tax collectors, burnt the court records and marched on London. This led to the famous scene where young King Richard rides out to confront the mob alone and talks them into going home. They hanged a few of the leaders and claimed they wouldn't back down, but within five years, serfdom was essentially abolished and most restrictions eased. This saved face for the government while still alleviating the source of complaint.

Basically, the government usually is much harsher than that in suppression, but the pattern follows. Think of it as slowly releasing pressure in short bursts.

In France, the population was never as low proportionally, probably due to the size and population of the country. Basically, they could replace people more easily and the decline wasn't as extreme. The government was able to be much harsher and gave not an inch.