Revolts Forge Freedom Amidst Plague

During the 13th and 14th centuries, peasants in Northern France, Flanders, and Florence challenged feudal norms, seeking more autonomy and better living conditions. As feudalism waned in the early 1300s, their resistance was amplified by the severe labor shortages following the Bubonic Plague, which decimated the population. Surviving peasants gained bargaining power, successfully demanding higher wages and lower rents. However, the ruling class fought back with restrictive laws, exacerbating rural discontent. This unrest culminated in significant revolts, notably the English peasants' uprising, symbolizing the broader struggle for freedom and rights in medieval society.