Great Famine

Definition

The Great Famine was a catastrophic period of widespread hunger that occurred in Europe from 1315 to 1322, primarily caused by a series of poor harvests, bad weather, and rising food prices. This disaster significantly affected urban populations and contributed to social unrest as people struggled for survival, highlighting the vulnerabilities of medieval society and its economic systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Famine resulted in the death of approximately 10-25% of Europe's population due to starvation and related diseases.
2. Poor weather conditions, such as excessive rain and cold temperatures, were significant factors that led to crop failures during the Great Famine.
3. As food prices soared due to scarcity, many people resorted to eating unpalatable foods and even engaged in desperate measures such as cannibalism.
4. The famine exacerbated social tensions and economic disparities, leading to increased instances of crime, violence, and resentment towards landowners and authorities.
5. The aftermath of the Great Famine set the stage for further social instability, including peasant revolts and unrest that would occur in subsequent decades.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Famine impact urban society in medieval Europe?
  • The Great Famine had a profound impact on urban society as cities faced severe food shortages due to high prices and dwindling supplies. Many urban residents relied on rural areas for food, and as agricultural production plummeted, starvation became rampant in cities. The hunger led to increased desperation among city dwellers, resulting in heightened crime rates and social disorder as people struggled to survive.
• Discuss the relationship between the Great Famine and subsequent peasant revolts in Europe.
  • The Great Famine laid the groundwork for subsequent peasant revolts by exacerbating existing grievances among the lower classes. As food scarcity persisted, many peasants found themselves unable to pay rents or taxes imposed by landowners. This frustration ultimately fueled uprisings against the ruling elite, as peasants sought not only relief from economic hardship but also fairer treatment and rights within their communities.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Famine on medieval European society and its economic structures.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Famine on medieval European society were significant, leading to shifts in population dynamics and economic structures. The dramatic loss of life resulted in labor shortages that eventually gave surviving workers greater leverage over wages and conditions. Additionally, this period highlighted vulnerabilities in feudal economies, prompting changes in agricultural practices and land use that would influence societal structures leading into the later Middle Ages and beyond.

Related terms

Crop Failure: The inability to produce sufficient crops due to adverse weather conditions, pests, or disease, which directly contributed to food shortages.

Peasant Revolts: Uprisings by the peasantry against their lords or the ruling class, often resulting from economic hardship, such as famine or oppressive taxation.

Black Death:

A devastating pandemic that struck Europe in the mid-14th century, following the Great Famine, which resulted in significant population decline and social upheaval.