Europe in the 14th and 15th Centuries - Essay Example

It was at this point in time that Europe went through a period of bad weather, characterized by severe winters and rainy and cold summers. This caused crop yields to decline and as a result, there was inadequate food supply to feed the whole population. The Great Famine was followed by the Hundred Years War that was fought between Britain and France. Although the conflict between the two states dates far back, it was only in the 14th century when the two states constantly engaged in disputes. This crisis brought about great economic losses for both states as well as the loss of human life.

However, the effects of such economic loss were most felt when the next crisis hit Europe, the Black Death.The Black Death is the most notable pandemic to hit Europe. It struck in the mid-14th century (1347-1351). The result of such pandemic was a huge loss of life when around one-third of Europe's total population was killed. This event occurred while England and France were engaged in the battles of the Hundred Years War. As a result, the two states were placed in a situation where they found themselves with depleted treasures and infrastructure and faced with the problems of poverty, malnutrition, disease, and hunger.

The aforementioned problems characterize the situation Europe found itself in during the 14th and 15th centuries. The population was drastically decreased. In as much as the situation may seem hopeless and very unfortunate, Europe was able to recover and ultimately flourish after the said events.The decrease in population brought about by the said crises proved to be beneficial to those who survived the said tragedies. These events caused several socio-economic changes in Europe. For one, the reduction in population caused labor wages to increase as there were fewer workers available.

This gave the peasants more power and thus, Europe saw the decline and eventual end of serfdom. Furthermore, survivors of the calamities that hit Europe saw themselves with more social mobility due to the great decline in population. In a way, the social upheaval brought about by the said events triggered the beginning of the renaissance and reformation period which began after the late middle ages. In a way, the calamities and crises that beset Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries allowed it to progress rather than regress.

The decrease in population caused both socioeconomic and political changes that were significant in defining what Europe would be in the succeeding periods.