How did the Black Death destabilize the feudal system in the late Middle Ages? (1 point)
• It created demand for new spices from the Middle East.
• It created a labor shortage, which allowed serfs to demand wages for their work.
• It ended the Hundred Years' War, allowing an increase in trade.
It killed mostly nobility, freeing serfs from their ties to the land.
The answer is: It created a labor shortage, which allowed serfs to demand wages for their work.
The Black Death, a devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, caused significant demographic changes and economic disruption. It led to a decline in population as a large number of people succumbed to the disease. This resulted in a shortage of labor, as there were fewer people available to work in various sectors such as agriculture and crafts.
As a consequence of the labor shortage, serfs who were previously tied to the land and had limited opportunities for social and economic mobility gained newfound leverage. They were now able to demand wages for their work, as landowners had to compete to attract workers. This disrupted the traditional feudal system, where serfs were obligated to work for their lords without payment.
Additionally, the Black Death's impact on the nobility cannot be overlooked. The disease spared no social class, but the nobility was particularly affected due to their close proximity to each other, crowded living conditions, and frequent travel. As many nobles and lords died from the plague, it led to a significant redistribution of wealth and power. The deaths of noble landowners allowed serfs to move away from their ancestral lands and seek better opportunities elsewhere.
In summary, the labor shortage caused by the Black Death allowed serfs to demand wages for their work, resulting in the destabilization of the feudal system. The deaths of nobility also contributed to the weakening of the social hierarchy and gave serfs greater freedom of movement.