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Big Question: How did three crises breakdown the structure of Medieval society?
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The Middle Ages were defined by two social systems…
The Crusades brought new goods, such as spices, silk, and precious metals, from the East to Europe. This influx of exotic products sparked a rebirth of trade and commerce throughout the continent.
As trade flourished, it had profound effects on European society. One significant outcome was the growth of towns and cities, as merchants and traders flocked to these urban centers to engage in business activities. This, in turn, led to the development of a middle class, consisting of merchants, artisans, and skilled workers, who enjoyed a higher standard of living compared to the rural population.
Furthermore, the increasing prominence of trade necessitated a greater reliance on money as a medium of exchange. Money, in the form of coins, became more powerful than traditional ties of blood or loyalty. It allowed individuals to accumulate wealth, exert influence, and participate in the emerging market economy.
This contributed to a gradual shift away from feudalism, the dominant social and political system of medieval Europe. As trade expanded, it created new opportunities for individuals to gain wealth and social status outside the rigid feudal hierarchy. This led to a weakening of feudal ties and a growing emphasis on individual enterprise and economic freedom.
During the 14th Century, Europe faced a series of crises that had a profound impact on the stability of feudalism and the influence of Catholicism. These crises shook the very foundations of European society, leading to significant changes and challenges.
Heavy rains between 1315 and 1317 severely affected agricultural production in Europe, resulting in the devastating destruction of harvests. The widespread food shortages caused by the decimated harvests led to a state of starvation among the population.
Furthermore, the prolonged period of famine not only resulted in immediate hunger but also had long-term effects on the health of the affected individuals. The chronic malnutrition experienced during this time made people more vulnerable to various diseases, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
It is important to acknowledge the significant impact that the Great Famine had on European society, as it highlighted the fragility of the food system and the devastating consequences that environmental disasters can have on human populations.
About 25 years after the great famine during the 1350s, rats and fleas carrying the bubonic plague arrived in Europe aboard ships from Asia. This devastating disease, known as the Bubonic Plague or the Black Death, started to rapidly spread throughout Europe, causing widespread death and devastation. The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
The sheer scale and speed of the plague's spread challenged the medical knowledge and capabilities of the time, leaving people helpless and desperate for a cure. It is estimated that the Black Death resulted in the deaths of millions of people across Europe, forever changing the course of history.
