Western Europe: historical, political, and economic overview

¶ … darkest periods in European history, the fourteenth century was marked by a number of catastrophes that contributed to extreme warring and economic hardship. The fourteenth century marked many of Europe's worst crises, among them were: the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, and mass social crisis and revolt due to a plunging economy.

The Hundred Years war occurred between 1337 and the 1400s (Fourteenth Century). The conflict consumed many nations, but most notably England and France. Both European powers were vying for control over parts of the European mainland. The outbreak of the war was not sudden, but rather resulted from a number of smaller conflicts, and a rise in tensions between the two nations. English kings and nobles controlled large portions of land within French territory, and were vying for influence within the country. The French, however, were not willing to grant the English land owners the autonomy they pursued.

The early fourteenth century saw both sides take to arms, and engage in a century-long war over control of the territories. The Hundred Years War took massive financial and human tolls on both sides. The fighting decimated the rich countryside of Northern Europe, and the two countries' treasure chests were almost completely depleted.

In the end, France pushed the English out of Northern Europe, but at great costs to both nations.

The social and economic situation of the fourteenth century was perpetuated with the onset of the "Black Death." This plague, otherwise known as the bubonic plague, ravaged Europe for three years, starting in 1348 (Cantor). The bubonic plague spread with incredible speed, and killed with the same. An individual could feel perfectly healthy in the morning, and be dead by the evening (Cantor). The bubonic plague killed almost half of Europe's population during these three years, and often left entire towns and villages barren (Cantor).

The plague greatly halted trade, as people were fearful of leaving their homes. The shortage of workers also led to the halting of production, especially farming (Cantor). An affect of the bubonic plague, food shortages, killed thousands of more people in Europe. Also, the shortage of goods led to increased prices, and further economic slowdowns.

Finally, the fourteenth century was marked by great social and political revolt. Partly due to both the Black Death and the Hundred Years War, these revolts were sparked by the great economic hardship and devastation of the times (Fourteenth Century). Those who participated in the uprisings wanted new leadership, and social reform (Fourteenth Century). They were predominantly workers and peasants, and they were tired of dealing with the extreme food and goods shortages, and the threat of the rapidly spreading bubonic plague.