Why was the fourteenth century a time of death and destruction in Europe?

Question

why fundamental changes occurred because of these events?

Answer 1

The Black Death, a pandemic of plague, probably both bubonic and pneumonic, the first onset of which ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351, taking a proportionately greater toll of life than any other known epidemic or war up to that time.

The study of contemporary archives suggests a mortality varying in the different regions between one-eighth and two-thirds of the population, and the French chronicler Jean Froissart's statement that about one-third of Europe's population died in the epidemic may be fairly accurate. The population in England in 1400 was perhaps half what it had been 100 years earlier; in that country alone, the Black Death certainly caused the depopulation or total disappearance of about 1,000 villages. A rough estimate is that 25 million people in Europe died from plague during the Black Death. The population of western Europe did not again reach its pre-1348 level until the beginning of the 16th century.

Answer 2

As the 13th century began, Europe was doing quite well. Population levels where growing, the crusades where practically over, and the conflict between the church and the monarchs ended with the abduction and later death of pope Boniface XIII in 1302.

However, a series of events made the 14th century bleak.
One was the transition to a colder climate; The so called little ice age brought dropping temprature, and thus reduced crops. This meant less food for the growing number of people.

In some regions, this was topped by war, most notably the 100 years war between France and England.

With the arival of the Great Plauge in 1347, the situation changed dramatically. Somewhere between 25 and 50 % of the population died in the great plauge. This was followed by repeated epedemics, sweeping the continent every decade or so for the next couple of hundred years. These where however less lethal.
Despite this, population levels didn't get back to the High Medevial level untill the 17th century.

At some levels, life after the great plauge was easier. There was more land to go around, and the poorer farms where generally abandoned as people flocked to the good land.
However, life was definitely grimmer. Art and culture took on a darker tone.
For instance, where Christ had previously been portrayed as the triumphant king, he is now shown as suffering on the cross.
However, the hardships on the 14th century also served to ignite the idea of striving for a better life.

Answer 3

The Black Death was a big reason. The 100 Years War was another.

Answer 4

Mainly because of great plague beginning in 1348, which killed about 1/3 persons in europe.

Answer 5

Because it was a time of the Protestant Reformation and the Holy Catholic Church instituted the Holy inquisition to stifle the heresy of the insane monk Martin Luther.

The Protestant Reformation caused the inhumane scotching of the Peasant's Revolt, and the Reformation caused the 30 Years War in Germany, an nasty religious war in which German lost a quarter of its population.

Its all the Protestants fault. Bad Martin Luther.

Answer 6

because of the black plague from 1348,who was one of the most devastating pandemics, in human history.
it began in asia and spread to europe.
the plague is estimated to have kill two thirds of europe 's population.

Answer 7

Two words: Black Death.

You do the research.

Answer 8

Read your assigned reading. You'll be AMAZED at what you learn.