1. Population Growth: The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that swept across Europe in the mid-14th century, had significantly reduced the population. However, by 1500, Europe had experienced a period of demographic recovery. The population of Western Europe had increased substantially from its low point. Factors contributing to this growth include improved agricultural techniques, a decrease in the frequency and severity of epidemics, and overall economic improvements.
2. Economic Prosperity: The late 15th and early 16th centuries were characterized by a period of economic prosperity in Western Europe. Several factors contributed to this prosperity, such as the rise of the merchant class, increased trade and commerce, the development of new technologies (e.g., the printing press and gunpowder), and the expansion of European influence through exploration and colonization. These factors led to an overall improvement in the economy, creating wealth and stability in the region.
Examples of economic growth during this time include the expansion of trade routes to the East, the development of new industries like textiles and mining, and the rise of banking systems. These factors all contributed to increased wealth and economic growth in Western Europe during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
