Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

Which impact did the bubonic plague have on the economies of infected areas?

1. Increased workforce availability due to higher birth rates.

2. Stability in trade routes and commerce.

3. Labor shortages leading to increased wages for workers.

4. Permanent decrease in agricultural production.

The correct answer is: Labor shortages leading to increased wages for workers.

The bubonic plague had a profound impact on the economies of affected regions, particularly due to the significant decline in population. As large numbers of people succumbed to the disease, the labor force shrank dramatically, resulting in a labor shortage. With fewer workers available to carry out agricultural and industrial tasks, the demand for labor increased. This scarcity of labor translated into higher wages for those who remained, as employers competed to attract workers. This economic shift marked a significant change in the feudal system, where serfs and laborers previously had limited negotiating power. As their importance surged due to their scarcity, many workers could demand better pay and conditions, leading to social changes in the economy of the region. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the economic reality during and after the plague. High birth rates did not immediately result in an increased workforce; trade routes and commerce were often destabilized rather than stable, and while some agricultural production might have decreased temporarily, the long-term effects were more nuanced. Hence, the increased wages for workers highlight the significant economic transformation driven by the labor crisis caused by the plague.