In what ways was the Black Death a cause of change in medieval European society? Identify at least two ways.

Answer 1

The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, resulting in significant changes in medieval European society. Two ways in which the Black Death caused change are:

1. Social Upheaval: The massive death toll caused by the Black Death created social upheaval in medieval European society. Approximately 30-50% of the European population perished during this pandemic, leading to a shortage of laborers. This created a power shift, as the surviving peasants gained more bargaining power due to their scarcity. Many workers demanded higher wages and improved labor conditions, leading to the breakdown of feudal relationships and the emergence of a new social order. This demand for improved conditions triggered the decline of serfdom, increasing social mobility and allowing peasants to negotiate their labor contracts.

2. Economic Transformation: The Black Death had a profound impact on the medieval economy. With a significant decrease in population, the previously abundant resources now had to be divided among a smaller number of people. This scarcity of labor led to a higher demand for workers and, consequently, inflationary pressures. As a result, wages increased substantially as the survivors became more valuable. Additionally, the sharp decrease in population also led to a surplus of available land and resources, enabling peasants to claim more land and cultivate it for their own needs. This redistribution of resources resulted in a decline in the power and wealth of the aristocracy, leading to the rise of a middle class.

In summary, the Black Death caused significant changes in medieval European society, particularly in terms of social structure and economic conditions. The decrease in population and subsequent labor shortage led to increased social mobility and the breakdown of feudal relationships. Additionally, the scarcity of labor led to higher wages and the redistribution of resources, resulting in an economic transformation and the emergence of a middle class.