Middle Ages Regents Practice

The answer is associated with the Black Plague, a devastating pandemic that struck Europe in the 14th century. The disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, led to the deaths of an estimated one-third to one-half of Europe's population. This massive loss created significant labor shortages across various sectors, including agriculture and trade.

As a result of the decreased workforce, surviving laborers found themselves in a position to demand higher wages and better working conditions. This shift in labor dynamics contributed to the gradual decline of feudalism, as landowners had to offer more attractive terms to their workers. The social, economic, and cultural consequences of the Black Plague were profound, reshaping European society in the years that followed.

The other historical events listed do not primarily focus on the immediate consequences of labor shortages caused by population decrease. The Russian Revolution and the French Revolution are more associated with political upheaval than demographic changes, while the Industrial Revolution was driven by technological advancements and urbanization rather than a sudden loss of life.