Major Events in the Late Middle English Period (14th–16th Centuries)

The Late Middle English period was defined by socio-economic upheaval, dynastic wars, and intellectual shifts that laid the groundwork for the Renaissance. From the devastating Black Death to the birth of the printing press, these events reshaped the English language and its literature.

🌾 The Great Famine (1315–1317)

  • First large-scale European crisis of the 14th century.
  • Caused by severe weather and crop failures.
  • Widespread starvation, disease, and rising crime.
  • Population sharply declined across affected regions.
  • Economic prosperity collapsed until the year 1322.
  • Early warning of later medieval instability.
🎯 Exam Point: The Black Death and Hundred Years' War are recurring topics in UGC NET English history sections.

☠️ The Black Death (1347–1352)

  • Killed 25–30 million people across Europe.
  • Originated in Asia, spread via trade routes.
  • Fleas on rats carried the deadly plague.
  • Death toll reached 30–50% of the population.
  • Led to farmer shortages and rebellions.
  • Took 200 years for recovery.

⚔️ The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453)

  • Conflict between England and France.
  • Cause: French crown and territorial disputes.
  • Famous battles include Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt.
  • Early English success turned into decline.
  • Joan of Arc aided the French victory.
  • Ended with French control; only Calais was left.

🔥 The Peasants’ Revolt (1381)

  • Triggered by the Black Death’s economic impact.
  • High war taxes deepened public anger.
  • Led by Wat Tyler.
  • Supported by radical cleric John Ball.
  • Rebels attacked London and demanded an end to serfdom.
  • Revolt was suppressed despite concessions from Richard II.

🏰 Fall of Constantinople (1453)

  • Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured the city.
  • Marked the end of the Byzantine Empire.
  • Constantinople became an Ottoman stronghold in Europe.
  • Allowed further Ottoman expansion westward.
  • Christian Europe was shocked by the city’s downfall.
  • City was conquered, looted, and later renamed Istanbul.

📖 Invention of Printing

[Image of Gutenberg printing press diagram]
  • Woodblock printing began in China in the 7th century.
  • Movable type was invented by Bi Sheng in the 11th century.
  • Printing technology spread to Korea and Europe.
  • Books became cheaper and faster to produce.
  • Revolutionized reading, learning, and knowledge sharing.
  • Sparked cultural and intellectual transformations worldwide.

🌹 Wars of the Roses (1455–1485)

  • Dynastic war between Lancaster (Red Rose) and York (White Rose).
  • First Battle of St Albans occurred in 1455.
  • Battle of Towton in 1461 was the bloodiest fight.
  • Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 was the decisive victory for Henry Tudor.
  • Henry Tudor won and founded the Tudor dynasty.