Decline of Medieval Western Europe
Demographic collapse, political instability, and religious intolerance all caused the decline of the Medieval Europe.
Series of Famines and Plagues
The Great Famine of 1315-1317 killed many Europeans Bad weather and lack of growth from crops the previous year caused a large lack of food. The Black Plague devastated Western Europe beginning in the 1300's. This pandemic was estimated to have killed at least 100 million people.
Spread of "Black Death" Plague
The Black Plague's origins can be traced back to Eastern Asia where trading and human interaction was common. It is thought to have started in 1345, before reaching Europe in 1348. It killed off 75 - 200 million Europeans.
Agricultural Exhaustion
As the years went by and the population grew, farmers continued to re-use the soil for their crops. Farmers didn't have enough time or space to "turn" their crops, and this caused a large loss in food production. Also, during the end of the 13th Century, climate began to change in what is now known as a "Little Ice Age". This is where average temperatures dropped and made agriculture difficult to grow well.
Popular Revolts
During the 14th and 15th Century, revolts from peasants in various towns and villages against knights and kings started to become common. There were a few reasons these revolts became common, including the social gap between rich and poor had become more extreme, and increased tax rates on the peasants.
The Middle Ages (Medieval Period) lasted from the 5th Century to 15th Century.
List of Medieval Peasant Revolts
- Peasant Revolt in Flanders: 1323-1328
- Jacquerie in France: 1358
- English Peasants' Revolt of: 1381
- Harelle in France: 1382
- Funen and Jutland Peasant rebellions: 1441
- Jack Cade's rebellion: 1450