The long-term effect of the Black Death on European society was transformative, leading to significant social, economic, and cultural changes. The plague, which ravaged Europe in the mid-14th century, caused a massive decline in the population, resulting in labor shortages. This shift weakened the feudal system, as surviving workers could demand better wages and conditions. Additionally, the decreased population fostered a greater emphasis on individual rights and opportunities. The aftermath also saw the decline of the Church's influence, as people questioned religious explanations for the pandemic, paving the way for the Renaissance and changes in artistic and intellectual thought.