What’s different about city life? How do cities threaten feudalism and manorial life?

• Based on trade and commerce – money economy• New social classes and organization – merchants,

artisans; serfs gain freedom• Guilds – economic and social organizations of

equals • Alliances with kings – a right to private liberties;

city charters allow cities right to tax, make law• More culture and intellectual development –

literacy, universities; a challenge to the Church’s control of intellectual life

What’s different about city life?

Effects of the Black Death

• 30-50% of population dies

• Decline of religious faith - was this God’s will?

Effects of the Black Death

Decline of religious faith - was this God’s will?

Effects of the Black Death

• 30-50% of population dies• Better living conditions for those who

survive• Breakdown of serfdom: Nobles “compete”

for remaining workers; peasant and worker revolts