End of Feudalism

 

Black Death

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While the English and French fought the Hundred Years’ War, an even greater crisis arose. This crisis was the black death, adeadly plague that swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351.The plague originally came from central and eastern Asia. Unknowingly, traders brought rats carrying the disease to Mediterranean ports in 1347. From there it quickly swept throughout much of Europe. Fleas that feasted on the blood of infected rats passed on the plague to people.The Black Death was not caused by one disease but by several different forms of plague. One form called bubonic plague  could be identified by swellings called buboes that appeared on victims’ bodies.

Effects

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The plague killed millions of people in Europe and millions more around the world. Some historians think Europe lost about a third of its population—perhaps 25 million people. This huge drop in population caused sweeping changes in Europe.    In most places, the manor system fell apart completely. There weren’t enough people left to work in the fields. Those peasants and serfs who had survived the plague found their skills in high demand. Suddenly, they could demand wages for their labor. Once they had money, many fled their manors completely, moving instead to Europe’s growing cities.