It is difficult to generalize an entire century as being characterized by desperation and need, as historical periods are often complex and multifaceted. However, the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries certainly saw significant challenges and upheavals, such as the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century, the Age of Exploration in the 15th century, religious strife and political turmoil in the 16th century, and the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century. These centuries were marked by profound social, economic, and political changes that brought both hardship and opportunity for many people.
