Comparing the roles of feudalism before and after the bubonic plague, what impact did the disease have on labor and the role of peasants?(1 point)Responsesincreased reliance on nobilityincreased reliance on nobilitydecreased landownership opportunitiesdecreased landownership opportunitiesreduced wagesreduced wagesincreased social mobility
After the bubonic plague, the impact on labor and the role of peasants can be summarized as follows:
1. Increased reliance on nobility: The severe shortage of labor caused by the plague led to increased reliance on the nobility to fill the gap. Peasants who survived the plague became valuable resources, and many nobles exploited their newfound leverage to demand increased labor and tribute from peasants in return for protection and stability.
2. Decreased landownership opportunities: The widespread loss of life during the plague resulted in a surplus of available land. However, the demand for laborers increased, leading to a decrease in landownership opportunities for peasants. Many nobles consolidated and expanded their landholdings, further concentrating wealth and power in the hands of the nobility.
3. Reduced wages: With labor in short supply, wages for peasant workers initially rose as they had newfound bargaining power. However, as the population recovered, the nobility used their dominance to suppress wages and maintain control over the labor force, resulting in reduced wages for peasants.
4. Increased social mobility: The massive loss of life caused by the bubonic plague created unprecedented opportunities for social mobility. With a decreased labor force, peasants had more leverage to negotiate better working conditions and higher pay. Some peasants were able to rise above their previous social standing and achieve upward mobility, while others were able to acquire land or enter into more profitable occupations.
Overall, the bubonic plague resulted in changes to the labor market and the role of peasants. While some peasants were able to improve their social and economic conditions, the nobility ultimately gained greater control and dominance over labor and land ownership.