The Black Death, which spread through Europe between 1347 and 1351, killed an estimated 30 to 60 percent of the population. In its aftermath, surviving peasants in many regions found themselves in a much stronger bargaining position relative to landowners, who competed for scarce labor by raising wages and easing customary obligations. Several long-standing feudal arrangements weakened significantly in the decades that followed.
Based on the passage, which inference is most strongly supported?
- A
Landowners' bargaining power increased after the plague
- Bcheck_circle
Demographic shocks can affect economic and social arrangements that previously appeared stable
- C
Feudal arrangements were unaffected by the Black Death
- D
Peasant labor became more abundant after the Black Death
Explanation
Wage rises and weakened feudal arrangements after population loss supports A. B, C, D contradict the passage.