The Black Death and the Decline of Feudalism in Europe

How the Plague Reshaped Medieval Society

Demographic Catastrophe

1347–1351: 75–200 million deaths, wiping out ~⅓ of Europe's population.

Weakening of Feudal Aristocracy

• Nobles died in large numbers; labor shortage increased workers' bargaining power.
• Landowners forced to offer higher wages and better conditions.
• Feudal obligations eroded; serfdom declined.

Rise of the Merchant Class

• Surge in demand for goods/services boosted merchant profits.
• Economic power shifted from land-based nobility to money-based merchants.
• Conflicts between classes accelerated feudalism's decline.

Long-Term Impact

Paved the way for capitalism, wage labor, and modern economic structures.