What were the major social and political changes during the Late Middle Ages?

During the Late Middle Ages, there were several major social and political changes that occurred. Some of the key changes include:

1. The Decline of Feudalism: Feudalism, which was the dominant social and economic system during the early Middle Ages, started to decline in the Late Middle Ages. This decline was mainly due to factors such as the growth of towns and cities, the emergence of a money-based economy, and the Black Death, which led to a shortage of labor and weakened the power of the feudal lords.

2. The Rise of the Middle Class: With the growth of trade and commerce, a new social class known as the middle class emerged during the Late Middle Ages. This class consisted of merchants, craftsmen, and professionals who were not part of the nobility or clergy. The middle class gained wealth and influence, leading to increased social mobility and the development of a new urban culture.

3. The Hundred Years' War: The Hundred Years' War, fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453, had significant political and social consequences. It led to the centralization of power in both countries, as monarchs sought to strengthen their authority and reduce the influence of feudal lords. The war also contributed to the rise of nationalism and the development of professional armies.

4. The Black Death: The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, had profound social and political effects. It caused a significant decline in the population, leading to labor shortages and higher wages for workers. This, in turn, weakened the feudal system and increased the bargaining power of peasants and laborers.

5. The Renaissance: Although the Renaissance is often associated with the Early Modern period, its roots can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages. The Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized the revival of classical learning and the pursuit of knowledge. It challenged the traditional authority of the Church and contributed to the growth of humanism and secularism.

These social and political changes during the Late Middle Ages laid the foundation for the transformations that would occur in the following centuries, leading to the transition from the medieval to the modern world.