The transition from the High to the Late Middle Ages witnessed the rapid acceleration of the decline of classical feudalism in Western Europe. Which of the following factors represents the most significant structural shock contributing to this profound systemic change?

💡 Explanation:

The Black Death (1347–1351) caused a massive demographic collapse, killing an estimated one-third to one-half of the population. This created severe labor shortages. The scarcity of workers destroyed the economic foundation of serfdom and the manorial system, forcing landowners to offer wages, improved tenure, or outright freedom to retain necessary labor. This economic shift fundamentally broke the relationship between lord and serf that defined classical feudalism.