Spätmittelalter

The Spätmittelalter, or Late Middle Ages, is a period in European history spanning roughly from the mid-14th century to the end of the 15th century. This era followed the High Middle Ages and preceded the Renaissance and the early modern period. It was a time of significant transition marked by both profound challenges and emergent developments.

Economically, the Spätmittelalter witnessed the aftermath of the Black Death, which drastically reduced the population and led to widespread social and economic upheaval. Labor shortages, changes in agricultural practices, and the rise of a money-based economy were notable consequences. Guilds continued to play an important role in urban manufacturing and trade.

Politically, the period saw the consolidation of monarchies in many European kingdoms, alongside ongoing conflicts like the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The power of feudal lords gradually waned in some regions, while centralized states began to take shape. The influence of the Papacy also faced challenges, leading to events like the Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism.

Culturally and intellectually, the Spätmittelalter was a period of transition. While scholasticism remained influential, new intellectual currents began to emerge, laying groundwork for the Renaissance. Gothic architecture continued to develop, and literature saw the rise of vernacular languages. Religious life was characterized by both piety and growing calls for reform. The invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century by Johannes Gutenberg would soon revolutionize the dissemination of knowledge, marking a significant turning point.