📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
What effect did the Black Death have on the feudal system?
Correct answer: It began to break it down
A It strengthened it
✓ It began to break it down
C It had no effect
D It replaced it with democracy
💡 Explanation
The Black Death began to break down the feudal system as surviving workers could demand higher wages.
Key facts to remember
- Black Death arrived in 1348
- Carried by fleas on rats
- Killed about one-third of England's population
- Survivors could demand higher wages
- Feudal system began to break down
- Labour became scarce and valuable
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.2.4 The Black Death 1348:
In 1348, a terrible plague known as the Black Death arrived in England. It was carried by fleas on rats and spread rapidly through the population. The Black Death killed about one-third of the population of England — possibly as many as two million people. Whole villages were wiped out, and there were not enough people left to farm the land.
The Black Death had a profound effect on English society. With so many workers dead, those who survived could demand higher wages. The feudal system began to break down as peasants gained more freedom and power. Labour became scarce and valuable, which eventually led to significant social and economic changes across England.
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