Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Plague in the 14th century, commonly known as the Black Death, significantly contributed to the decline of feudalism in Europe. The pandemic resulted in a catastrophic reduction of the population, which created a labor shortage. As a consequence, surviving laborers found that they could demand higher wages and better working conditions since there were not enough workers to fulfill the demands of the economy.

This shift in the balance of power dramatically weakened the feudal system, which was predicated on a rigid social hierarchy and the obligation of peasants to work the land owned by nobles. The increased bargaining power of peasants led to social mobility and a gradual dismantling of traditional feudal responsibilities and loyalties. Additionally, many serfs began to leave their lords' lands in search of better opportunities, further destabilizing the feudal structure.

While the signing of the Magna Carta, the rise of merchant classes, and the initiation of the Crusades were important historical events that also influenced societal changes in Europe, the Plague directly and immediately challenged the foundations of feudalism by altering the demographic and economic landscape of the time.