The plague, particularly the Black Death of the 14th century, had a devastating impact on Medieval and Feudal society, leading to the death of an estimated one-third of Europe's population. This significant loss of life created labor shortages, which empowered surviving workers to demand higher wages and better working conditions, thus undermining the feudal system. Culturally, the plague prompted a shift in attitudes toward life and death, inspiring an increase in religious fervor, as well as a more individualistic approach to spirituality and existential concerns. Politically, the upheaval contributed to the decline of serfdom, as peasants sought more autonomy and the power of the monarchy grew as a result of weakened local lords. Economically, the shortage of labor led to increased agricultural productivity per worker, prompting a transition toward a more market-oriented economy, setting the stage for the eventual rise of a more modern economic system.
In 3-5 sentences explain the effect the plague had on Medieval and Feudal society. (What problems did it create? What cultural, political, and economic changes did it create?)
3 answers
The plague, especially the Black Death in the 14th century, had a huge impact on Medieval and Feudal society, killing about one-third of Europe's population. This massive loss of life caused a shortage of workers, which allowed those who survived to demand better pay and working conditions, weakening the feudal system. The plague also changed how people viewed life and death, leading to stronger religious feelings and a more personal approach to faith. Politically, it led to the decline of serfdom since peasants sought more freedom, while kings gained more power because local lords lost control. Economically, fewer workers meant that each person had to work more efficiently, resulting in a shift towards a more market-driven economy that helped pave the way for modern economic systems.
1 answer