14th-century England

Definition

14th-century England refers to the historical period in England that spanned from the year 1300 to 1399. This era is marked by significant social, economic, and political changes, including the aftermath of the Black Death, the rise of the English Parliament, and the onset of the Hundred Years' War. These developments influenced the cultural landscape and literary output of the time, particularly in works like 'Piers Plowman'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Black Death resulted in the death of an estimated one-third of England's population, drastically altering labor dynamics and social structures.
2. This period saw the gradual rise of the English Parliament as a political body, marking a shift toward more representative governance.
3. The Hundred Years' War between England and France began in 1337, impacting national identity and military practices.
4. 'Piers Plowman', written by William Langland, reflects the spiritual and social concerns of 14th-century England, emphasizing themes of justice and morality.
5. The era also experienced a growing interest in vernacular literature, with English becoming more prominent in writing alongside Latin and French.

Review Questions

• How did the Black Death shape social structures in 14th-century England?
  • The Black Death dramatically altered social structures in 14th-century England by significantly reducing the population, which led to a labor shortage. This shortage empowered peasants as their labor became more valuable, resulting in higher wages and greater bargaining power. The shift contributed to rising social tensions and ultimately set the stage for movements like the Peasants' Revolt.
• Discuss how 'Piers Plowman' reflects the political and economic changes occurring in 14th-century England.
  • 'Piers Plowman' serves as a commentary on the social injustices prevalent during its time, highlighting issues such as poverty and corruption among both church and state. Written amidst significant changes like the aftermath of the Black Death and rising discontent among common people, it emphasizes the need for reform and moral integrity in leadership. The text mirrors the broader concerns of society, illustrating how literature responded to contemporary struggles.
• Evaluate the impact of 14th-century events on the development of English identity leading into subsequent centuries.
  • The events of 14th-century England laid crucial groundwork for developing national identity as people began to see themselves as part of a larger English community rather than just subjects of local lords. The rise of the English Parliament fostered notions of governance that would evolve into modern democracy, while literature like Chaucer's works celebrated vernacular culture. These factors collectively influenced how people viewed their nation during times of conflict, such as the Hundred Years' War, ultimately shaping England's trajectory into subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Black Death:

A devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, leading to a dramatic decrease in population and significant social changes.

Peasants' Revolt: A major uprising in 1381 in England, driven by socio-economic tensions following the Black Death and demands for social justice and reform.

Chaucer:

Geoffrey Chaucer was a prominent poet of the 14th century, best known for 'The Canterbury Tales', which provides insight into English society during this transformative period.