SOSC 1731 Lecture 7: Lecture Notes 7 (SOSC 1732)

• School: York University
• Department: Social Science
• Course: SOSC 1731
• Professor: Lewis Code

Document Summary

Medieval period (end of 15th century) towards the start of modern era. The black death questioned the stability of medieval society: port in sicily accounts first of black death. Black death consumed about 1/3 (1/2 in some areas) of city populations: 35-50% of the population dies in a five-year period, killed 25 million europeans between 1347-1351, along with plague came famine, war, and other deadly diseases. Social instability: people would question their role in society and the way society was shaped. Consequences: shortage of labour (breakdown of feudalism, it marked the beginning of western capitalism, church"s power in society weakened. Why did so many people die: city role in people"s lives strengthened city became more important for the noble due to its revenue and product. Start of the renaissance: medieval ways broke down with introduction of new ideological forms, new political frameworks, and a new guild system. Ex; roman cities adopted republican form of government.