Which of the following was a political effect of the Black Death?

The weakening of feudalism as a political effect of the Black Death can be understood through the significant societal changes that emerged in the wake of the pandemic. The Black Death, which swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, resulted in the death of a large portion of the population—estimated at around one-third to one-half. This drastic decline in population created a labor shortage, which had profound effects on the existing feudal structure.

As labor became scarce, serfs and peasants found themselves in a position to negotiate better terms for their labor. Many demanded higher wages and improved working conditions, fundamentally challenging the previously rigid feudal hierarchy where lords had significant power over their serfs. This shift contributed to the decline of serfdom and the overall weakening of the feudal system, as people began to move towards towns and cities where they could find more opportunities and autonomy.

Moreover, the decreased population undermined the economic foundation of feudalism. Lords struggled to maintain control over large estates with fewer workers, which led to a gradual transition towards a more market-based economy. As a result, the traditional feudal obligations diminished, and new social structures began to emerge, further contributing to the erosion of feudal institutions.

In contrast,