Bad Things Come in Threes

The 14th and 15th centuries were plagued with three crises: the Bubonic Plague, the Hundred Years War, and the Great Schism. These three events were the cause of many divisions. People had to choose a side. As a result, Europe during this time was filled with turmoil, panic, chaos, and confusion.

The first evil is the Bubonic Plague or Black Death. I’ll spare you guys horrid images of these terrible inflictions. The Plague arrived in mainland Europe and 1348 and spread through out the continent through ports via rats and fleas. 

As a result of the plague, many were inflicted and Europe suffered a huge population loss. This brings us to our first division: the fight between laborers and businessmen.  Since there was less labor available, those that could work asked for higher wages and revolts broke out. 

Another division rose within the church. The church at this time was becoming more wealthy. Many archbishops and others in high positions would not go near peasants in an attempt to survive.  Basically, they thought they were Regina George or Beyoncé.

               

This created a disconnect between the people and those who represent the hierarchy of the church. It also hurt the church’s reputation. It seemed as if they were unconcerned for the plight of the laymen. Despite this there were many local priests in the country side who attempted to help those who were sick. So not only was the church ostracized from the people, it was divided within itself.

The second evil is that of the Hundred Years War. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-2pNCZiNk The obvious division here is that of England vs. France. The war increased nationalism within the two countries and hatred between the two countries. The cause of the war: land and power. 

The war also had an affect on the political and cultural lives of the two countries. Since King Edward of England kept having to ask Parliament for more and more money, he kept it strong. As a result, a large general assembly became an important part of the English government. On the other hand, the French held smaller assemblies so as not to threaten the power of the king. Although this is not a division between people, it is a division of ideas within Europe. 

The final evil is that of the Great Schism within the church.  Here's the breakdown of what happened:

Everyone had to choose which pope they were going to recognize. England went for Urban. France (Scotland, Aragon, Castile, and Portugal) went for Clement. The common people were just confused. The church was what held Europe together so since the organization crumbled, so did Europe as a whole.

A house divided cannot stand. As a result, the traditional medieval society in Europe crumbled as evidenced.