The Black Death (plague impact on workforce)

The Black Death, which struck Europe in the 14th century, killed millions, drastically reducing the population. This significant decline in the number of workers led to a labor shortage, empowering surviving laborers to demand better wages and working conditions. Many peasants left their rural jobs for cities, seeking higher pay and opportunities. This shift contributed to the weakening of the feudal system, as landowners struggled to maintain their workforce and had to offer incentives. Ultimately, the pandemic transformed social and economic structures, paving the way for changes that would influence the Renaissance and the modern world.