['< sod > in mounting their insurrection, peasants faced insurmountable hurdles. the democratic nature of their movement left behind them without a command structure and they lacked artillery protection and cavalry. most of them had little, if any, military experience. in combat they often turned corners and fled, and were massacred by their own pursuers. the opposition had experienced military leaders, well - equipped guards and disciplined armies, and ample defense funding. < eod > < sod > in mounting their insurrection, peasants faced insurmountable hurdles. the democratic nature of their movement left them without a command structure and they lacked artillery and cavalry. most of them had little, if any, military experience. in combat they often quickly turned and fled, stabbed and were massacred by their pursuers. { { citation needed | publication date = october 2016 } } the opposition had experienced military leaders, well - equipped and highly disciplined armies, and ample funding. < eod >']