Western European History Assignment 2 - Tesc

World History Assignment #2

Short answer questions:

1. What were the 'disasters' that Europe suffered during the fourteenth century, and what were their consequences?

There were several disasters that Europe experienced during the fourteenth century that greatly changed the course of history. One that to this day, remains a medical mystery is the terrible epidemic know as the bubonic plague or "Black Death". This disease first appeared in Europe in 1348 and decimated European population from approximately 70 million to about 45 million. It left cities/villages without able-bodied workers to maintain the community infrastructures such as farm work, schools, trade and other businesses. Furthermore, the lack of people available to cultivate the land led to famine what contributed to the death rate already ravaging Europe.

This period also experienced the Hundred Year's War (1327-1453) between England and France. The war was mostly fought in France, which was already suffering from their own internal political and territorial strife. On the English side, their own persistence in continuing the war and rule over the French led to barons wanting more power. Dukes and earls formed their own private armies, quarreled with each other and tried to manipulate Parliament for their own needs. They deposed Richard III in 1399. This period between 1450 and 1485 came to be called the Wars of the Roses after the red and white rose symbols the opposing noble parties adopted.

On the religious side, the church became corrupt and its leaders incapable and unwilling to reform itself. Belief and support of the church by The French and English imposed heavy taxes the church. The pope, Boniface VIII opposed the taxation and claimed papal supremacy over "every human creature." After the French arrested Boniface VII, who died in custody, a few French pope was elected. However, the College of Cardinals split and elected an Italian pope as well. This was the Great Schism which...