Challenges to Feudalism

Who were the two main countries involved in the 100 Years War?

• England and France

• Spain and Portugal

• Germany and Italy

• Scotland and Ireland

Answer explanation

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the kingdoms of England and France. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is England and France. The other options listed, Spain and Portugal, Germany and Italy, Scotland and Ireland, were not the main countries involved in this war.

What was the main cause of the peasants' revolts during the 100 Years War?

• Increased taxes and rents

• Lack of food and resources

• Religious conflicts

• Political corruption

Answer explanation

During the 100 Years War, the main cause of the peasants' revolts was the increase in taxes and rents. This was a major burden for the peasants who were already struggling to make ends meet. The other options, such as lack of food and resources, religious conflicts, and political corruption, while also significant, did not have as direct an impact as the economic pressures did.

What was the name of the deadly disease that caused the death of millions of people during the 14th century?

• The Black Death

• The Spanish Flu

• The Great Plague

• The Yellow Fever

Answer explanation

The deadly disease that caused the death of millions of people during the 14th century was 'The Black Death'. It was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75-200 million people. Other options such as 'The Spanish Flu', 'The Great Plague' and 'The Yellow Fever' did occur, but they are not the correct answer for the given question.

How did the Black Death primarily spread among humans?

• Through fleas on rats

• Through contaminated water

• Through airborne transmission

• Through direct contact with infected individuals

Answer explanation

The Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, primarily spread among humans through fleas on rats. These fleas would bite an infected rat and then bite a human, thus transmitting the disease. The other options such as contaminated water, airborne transmission, or direct contact were not the primary means of spread for this specific plague.

How were lords and landowners economically affected by the Black Death?

• Rising labor costs lead to bankruptcies

• Increased trade and prosperity lead to greater wealth

• Cheaper land allowed them to expand their holdings

• Cheaper labor allowed for the construction of larger manors

Answer explanation

The Black Death caused a shortage of labor, which in turn increased the price of labor. Lords and landowners, who heavily relied on labor for their estates, found these rising costs hard to meet and were often driven to bankruptcy. This explains why 'Rising labor costs lead to bankruptcies' is the correct answer, rather than the other options.

What was the main factor that led to the emergence of a new middle class during the decline of feudalism?

• Increased wealth for lower classes in the towns

• Land ownership

• Higher prices for farmed crops

• Religious affiliation

Answer explanation

The decline of feudalism saw the rise of a new middle class due to the increased wealth for the lower classes in the towns. This wealth accumulation shifted societal dynamics, effectively reducing the influence of the feudal system and giving rise to a new middle class.

What caused a change in the way people thought about time during the decline of feudalism?

• Development of clocks

• Invention of calendars

• Introduction of daylight saving time

• Shift in religious beliefs

Answer explanation

During the decline of feudalism, the development of clocks caused a change in the way people thought about time. Clocks enabled people to measure time more precisely, leading to a shift in societal and economic structures. This technological advancement was pivotal in transitioning from the feudal system to the modern world, making 'Development of clocks' the correct option.

How did the Black Death impact the labor market?

• Caused a labor shortage

• Increased job opportunities

• Led to higher wages

• Promoted technological advancements

Answer explanation

The Black Death devastated Europe's population, leading to a labor shortage. This increased job opportunities and pushed wages up as employers had to compete for fewer workers. Some historians believe this event also promoted technological advancements as people sought to substitute labor.