Overview
This lecture covers the "crisis of the late Middle Ages," focusing on demographic, political, and religious upheavals in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Major Crises of the Late Middle Ages
- The late Middle Ages saw demographic collapse, political instability, and religious upheavals disrupt centuries of European stability.
- The Great Famine (1315-1317) and the Black Death (1347-1351) reduced Europe’s population by as much as half.
- Europe’s population did not recover to pre-crisis levels until 1500.
- The end of the Medieval Warm Period and onset of the Little Ice Age caused harsher climates and poor harvests.
Political and Religious Turmoil
- Popular revolts and civil wars between nobles, such as the Wars of the Roses, were common.
- International conflicts included the Hundred Years War between England and France.
- The unity of the Roman Catholic Church was shattered by the Western Schism.
- The Holy Roman Empire declined, with regional dynasties gaining power over the emperor.
Historiography and Debates on "Crisis"
- The term "crisis of the late Middle Ages" is widely used in English and German scholarship.
- Historians debate whether "crisis" is the proper term, sometimes preferring "transformation" or "stalemate."
- The period is often seen as a prelude to the Renaissance and Reformation.
- Some argue that intellectual impacts and university changes during the crisis are underrepresented in scholarship.
Economic and Social Impact
- Governments attempted, often unsuccessfully, to control food prices, exports, and markets, worsening famine.
- Poor weather, disease, and war led to high food prices, inflation, and trade disruptions.
- Loss of cattle to disease resulted in long-term dairy and protein shortages for peasants.
Demographic and Biological Effects
- Famine, pestilence, and war killed an estimated 10-15% of Europe’s population before the Black Death.
- The Black Death alone killed an estimated 30-60% of populations where it appeared.
- Environmental stress, famine, and new rodent hosts from Asia contributed to the severity of the plague.
Popular Uprisings and Malthusian Theories
- The 14th and 15th centuries saw frequent, large-scale peasant uprisings in Europe.
- Scholars debated whether the crises were due to overpopulation—a "Malthusian" crisis of resources.
- Some historians argue the Black Death was not an inevitable corrective to population growth, but more a "death block" than a pure crisis.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Great Famine — severe food shortage in Europe from 1315–1317.
- Black Death — devastating plague outbreak in Europe (1347–1351).
- Little Ice Age — period of cooler climate following the Medieval Warm Period.
- Western Schism — split within the Roman Catholic Church (1378–1417).
- Hundred Years War — prolonged conflict between England and France (1337–1453).
- Malthusian Crisis — population theory where growth outpaces resources, leading to catastrophe.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and effects of the Great Famine and Black Death for upcoming discussions.
- Read about the Western Schism and its impact on religious unity in Europe.
- Consider arguments for and against the use of "crisis" to describe the late Middle Ages.