14th Century France

In the 14th century, France experienced significant turmoil and transformation. The century began with the reign of King Philip VI, leading to the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War against England, which lasted from 1337 to 1453. This conflict caused social and economic strain. The Black Death, a devastating plague, swept through Europe in the mid-century, killing an estimated one-third of France’s population, leading to labor shortages and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, this era also saw the development of Gothic architecture and the flourishing of medieval culture, setting the stage for the Renaissance that followed.