How did the Black Death destabilize the feudal system in the late Middle Ages?
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.
It created demand for new spices from the Middle East.
The correct answer is: It created a labor shortage, which allowed serfs to demand wages for their work.
The Black Death, a devastating plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, led to the destabilization of the feudal system in several ways. One significant impact was the massive reduction of the population. It is estimated that the plague wiped out approximately 30-60% of Europe's population.
This drastic decrease in population resulted in a severe labor shortage. As a consequence, the surviving serfs had significantly more leverage and bargaining power. With a scarcity of workers, those who remained were able to demand higher wages and better working conditions. This shift gradually eroded the traditional feudal relationships, as lords and landowners were forced to compete for labor.
However, it is worth noting that the Black Death did not completely destroy the feudal system. While it weakened the institution, it did not eliminate it entirely. Other factors like social and economic changes also contributed to the decline of feudalism in the following centuries.