Late Middle Ages Quiz

Late Middle Ages: The Century of War, Plague, and Disorder

• The period covered by the text is the Late Middle Ages, specifically focusing on a century marked by war, plague, and societal disruption.

• The plague, impacting Europe and Britain in the 14th century, significantly affected the local economy and the authority of the crown.

• Struggles between England, France, Scotland, and Ireland characterized the period. Alliances between merchants and the gentry created new armed forces in the countryside, replacing the old 40-day service feudal system.

• Local private armies emerged, disrupting the economy and empowering nobles, leading to conflicts with the crown. Frequent murders of kings underscored political instability.

• The Black Death (a significant plague) caused a huge loss of French and Latin people, impacting labour demands. The English profited, with the English King Henry V becoming popular due to a shift in legal and official documents from Latin to English.

• The Black Death also triggered an agricultural crisis, impacting both people and animals. Other plagues followed, leading to a dramatic decline in the population.

• War with Scotland and France was a key aspect. Scotland sought alliance with France. A key concern for England was the growing French control over nobles in France. French rebellious vassals allied with English forces, and the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) resulted in England losing most of their possessions in France.

• The English longbow proved a powerful weapon, facilitating victories in war. The conflict between the English and French kings over French territories continued into the 15th century

• Chivalry, viewed as noble and glorious, became a significant concept during this period. The text links it to the behaviour and ideals of knights, associating it with Edward III and the Black Prince.

• The Black Death's aftermath severely impacted the economy, driving up labor costs as workers demanded more pay. The traditional serfdom system started to weaken and the return of a more centralized system to serfdom was a frequent theme. Landlords sought new approaches to manage the land, leading to the rise of yeoman farmers.

• The rise in wealth among the English and other factions resulted in economic shifts from raw materials, like wool, to finished products like cloth, and the growth of urban centers like London.

• Populace discontent led to revolts against the high taxes imposed, with events like Wat Tyler's rebellion. This dissatisfaction arose from the changing social and economic circumstances.

• The Church's wealth, contrasting with poverty among the clergy, led to discontent and the rise of religious dissent, like Lollardy and John Wycliffe. Wycliffe’s teaching that the Bible should be accessible to all in English led to conflict with the Church and the rise of religious heresy.

Bibliography

• McDowall, D. (1989). An Illustrated History of Britain. Pearson Education Limited.

Test your knowledge on the Late Middle Ages, a period defined by war, plague, and societal changes. Explore the impact of the Black Death, the rise of local armed forces, and the political instability that characterized this tumultuous century in Europe and Britain.