Learn on PengiPengi Social Studies (Grade 7)Chapter 7: Medieval Europe

Lesson 4: Crisis and Change

In this Grade 7 Social Studies lesson from Chapter 7: Medieval Europe, students map the spread of the Bubonic Plague and examine how the resulting labor shortages contributed to the end of serfdom in medieval Europe. Students also analyze the Hundred Years' War and explore the rise of nationalism through the story of Joan of Arc.

Section 1

The Black Death: A Continental Catastrophe

In 1347, a Genoese trading ship docked in Sicily carrying a deadly cargo: fleas infected with the Bubonic Plague. The disease spread rapidly along trade routes, killing roughly one-third of Europe’s population in just a few years.

The plague caused social chaos. People believed it was a punishment from God. Some turned to extreme religious penance (Flagellants), while others scapegoated and attacked Jewish communities. The sheer scale of death made people question the Church's power to protect them.

Section 2

Economic Shift: The End of Serfdom

The Black Death unintentionally destroyed the feudal economic system. With so many workers dead, Europe faced a massive Labor Shortage. Surviving peasants suddenly had power; they demanded higher Wages and lower rents.

When nobles tried to freeze wages, peasants revolted. Ultimately, the market won: nobles were forced to pay wages or allow peasants to buy their freedom. This broke the bond of Serfdom. Peasants were no longer tied to the land, leading to a more mobile and free society.

Section 3

The Hundred Years' War and Nationalism

Between 1337 and 1453, England and France fought the Hundred Years' War. It began as a feudal dispute over the French throne but ended as a war between nations. It saw the introduction of the Longbow, a weapon that could pierce armor and destroy mounted knights, signaling the end of the age of chivalry.

The war's turning point came with Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl who inspired the French army to victory. Her leadership helped spark Nationalism—a feeling of loyalty to one's country rather than to a local lord. France emerged as a unified, strong monarchy, while England turned its attention to building its own state.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

The Black Death: A Continental Catastrophe

In 1347, a Genoese trading ship docked in Sicily carrying a deadly cargo: fleas infected with the Bubonic Plague. The disease spread rapidly along trade routes, killing roughly one-third of Europe’s population in just a few years.

The plague caused social chaos. People believed it was a punishment from God. Some turned to extreme religious penance (Flagellants), while others scapegoated and attacked Jewish communities. The sheer scale of death made people question the Church's power to protect them.

Section 2

Economic Shift: The End of Serfdom

The Black Death unintentionally destroyed the feudal economic system. With so many workers dead, Europe faced a massive Labor Shortage. Surviving peasants suddenly had power; they demanded higher Wages and lower rents.

When nobles tried to freeze wages, peasants revolted. Ultimately, the market won: nobles were forced to pay wages or allow peasants to buy their freedom. This broke the bond of Serfdom. Peasants were no longer tied to the land, leading to a more mobile and free society.

Section 3

The Hundred Years' War and Nationalism

Between 1337 and 1453, England and France fought the Hundred Years' War. It began as a feudal dispute over the French throne but ended as a war between nations. It saw the introduction of the Longbow, a weapon that could pierce armor and destroy mounted knights, signaling the end of the age of chivalry.

The war's turning point came with Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl who inspired the French army to victory. Her leadership helped spark Nationalism—a feeling of loyalty to one's country rather than to a local lord. France emerged as a unified, strong monarchy, while England turned its attention to building its own state.