Waning of the Middle Ages (essay)

The Waning of the Middle Ages refers to the transition from medieval society to the Renaissance, roughly between the 14th and 16th centuries. This period saw significant changes, including the decline of feudalism, the rise of towns and trade, and the emergence of a more centralized government. Intellectual movements, such as humanism, valued classical learning and individualism, leading to advances in art, science, and literature. Key events, like the Black Death and the Hundred Years’ War, shifted power dynamics and social structures. Together, these factors fostered an environment ripe for cultural rebirth and innovation, marking the end of the medieval era.