Why the Middle Ages Ended in the 14th Century
by Jeb Smith
The 14th century marked a dramatic turning point in European history, ushering in a series of transformative events that signalled the beginning of the end for the Middle Ages. From the devastating impact of the Black Death to the socio-economic shifts brought on by widespread famine and peasant revolts, the century fractured the old medieval order. This period also witnessed the decline of feudalism, the erosion of unquestioned Church authority, and the stirrings of a more human-centred worldview, laying early groundwork for the Renaissance to come.
However, the end of the Middle Ages was not the result of a single event, but a convergence of crises that exposed vulnerabilities in medieval institutions. Some scholars argue that the seeds of change had already been planted in the 13th century, while others point to the 15th century for a more definitive cultural break. What’s clear is that the 14th century was a crucible of change, where suffering and innovation went hand in hand, forever altering Europe’s trajectory.
#MiddleAges, #BlackDeath, #14thCentury, #MedievalHistory, #Feudalism, #PlagueHistory, #RenaissanceBeginnings, #HistoryNewsletter, #MedievalCrisis, #EndOfAnEra
Read More: https://historymedieval.com/why-the-middle-ages-ended-in-the-14th-century/