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What caused the Great Famine during the Middle Ages and Feudalism era?

Connor Rowbottom

The Great Famine during the Middle Ages and Feudalism era was caused by a combination of factors, some of which were natural and others, human-made.

One of the primary causes of the Great Famine was the severe climate change that occurred during the 14th century. This period of time is now known as the "Little Ice Age," and it was marked by a significant drop in temperatures that led to colder and longer winters. The harsh weather conditions caused crop failures, resulting in food shortages that affected agriculture-based societies.

Additionally, inadequate technological advancement during the time also played a significant role in causing the famine. Medieval farming methods were primitive and inefficient, and farmers heavily relied on manual labor to cultivate and harvest their crops. The absence of machines made it hard to store food in large quantities, making it challenging to prepare for times of need.

Furthermore, diseases, wars, and a widespread economic recession that weakened governments in many areas, contributed to the worsening of the famine. Plagues that swept through many countries killed much of the population, leaving those who survived with limited resources for farming and gathering food. Wars also resulted in significant disruptions to the agricultural sector, leading to further food insecurity and poverty.

The feudal system that was prominent during this period also exacerbated the problem. The system was based on a rigid class structure that allowed landowners to exert control over the farming peasants who worked on their lands. The lords of the manor imposed high rents and taxes on the peasants, leaving them with little means to purchase enough food. The peasants were also responsible for paying feudal obligations like taxes and military service and so had little left to puchase food.

In conclusion, The Great Famine during the Middle Ages and Feudalism era had its roots in a combination of factors, including climate change, inadequate technology, diseases, wars, recessions, and the feudal system. The famine had far-reaching socio-economic impacts on the population, which included loss of lives, low economic output, and widespread poverty. The impact of the famine lasted for several years, and it would have taken a long time for the affected lands to recover from its adverse effects. However, lessons from the Great Famine were learned, which informed future policy decisions on how to handle similar emergencies to prevent widespread famine from affecting populations.