How Did The Black Death Affect European Society

From 1346 to 1350, Europe was afflicted by the deadly disease known as the Black Death. The disease killed almost one-third of Europe’s population. A period of time known as the “Renaissance” followed the Black Death. The Renaissance was regarded as the “rebirth” of Europe. During this time, advances were made in technology and exploration. Three factors that led to this time period were the people’s diminishing belief in religion, the collapse of the feudal system and its subsequent impact on the economy, and people’s newfound desire to understand the world around them. One of the biggest changes in European society, following the Black Death was Church’s loss of power. Before the Black Death, religion was a vital part of the people’s daily lives. When the Black Death struck people all over Europe, including the religious monks, nuns and priests were victims of the plague. …show more content…
After the Black Death, many people stopped believing in Christianity and began to explore new ideas. Their curious minds lead to invention of the printing press. Before the Black Death, monks hand-copied pieces of literature. A development in technology was the printing press. Made in 1436, the printing press was an invention that produced numerous copies. The printing press improved literacy among the people and helped spread the idea of the Renaissance. People explored more treatments to sickness rather than using cures that were revolved around superstition or astrology. The Black Death also changed the view of art and architecture.New ideas and concepts of humanism were shown through art. Architects builded with a new perspective, often following Roman and Greek styles. Some artists and architects of the Renaissance period were Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. The advances in science, technology and medicine helped people explore new theory and helped to support the