What was the Pastoureaux movement of 1251?

The Pastoureaux movement of 1251 was a popular uprising in northeastern France driven by mystico-political enthusiasm. The movement was sparked by news that King Louis IX had suffered military reverses during his first Crusade against the Muslims.12

Participants, primarily peasants, were motivated by a sense of loyalty to the king and frustration toward the ruling classes, whom they accused of being indifferent to Louis IX's fate while he was in the Holy Land. As the movement progressed, the participants began pillaging towns and churches. Although the regent, Blanche of Castile, initially offered the movement some support, she ultimately had the Pastoureaux suppressed and dispersed when their activities turned toward agitation against the nobility, clergy, and bourgeoisie.12