Demographic Changes In The 14th Century

Demographic change in the 14th Century resulted in the culmination of pre-existing tensions within European society. However, these ‘problems’ also benefited the peasant majority.

The Black Death and the Great Famine of 1315-1317 resulted in a huge shift in the demography of medieval society. These events produced a sharp increase in mortality rates, and severe population decline. Mostly, they were caused by weather, including climate change, and soil exhaustion. Furthermore, the Black Death was accelerated through international trade routes. There was some success in quarantine efforts in Venice, and attempts were made to institute measures against grain price speculation in Britain. However, these could only mitigate the damage of these catastrophes. Therefore, it must be recognised that this demographic change occurred due to exogenous factors.

This demographic change led to popular rebellion and economic issues. This is apparent through the Jacquerie and the Peasant’s Revolt. These conflicts were caused by class hostility, formed by the consequences of the Black Death. Following this demographic shift, the peasant majority benefited, as the value of their labour increased. This is demonstrated by the introduction of sumptuary laws to

It must be recognised that before 1300, population increase had already begun to decline, despite the overall population remaining high. This was accelerated by the consequences of famine and plague. The demographic shift from this position would later improve the mobility and real wages of the peasantry. Towns and trade had already begun to revive in the 10-13th centuries, which contributed to monetisation of the economy. These economic developments weakened serfdom in Europe. This suggests that these pre-existing tensions, coupled with demographic changes, served as a catalyst for later issues in medieval