Social impact of the Black Death

The Black Death, which struck Europe in the 14th century, had profound social impacts. With an estimated one-third to half of the population perishing, labor shortages arose, leading to higher wages and better working conditions for surviving workers. This shift challenged the existing feudal system, as peasants gained more power and mobility. Additionally, traditional beliefs were shaken, giving rise to questioning of authority, including the church. The resulting demographic changes fostered social mobility and laid groundwork for the Renaissance, as people sought new ideas and opportunities in a transformed society.