This suffering was not exclusive to the lower classes with all social groups being affected. Outbreaks of bubonic plague were a regular feature of the Medieval Period though never as severe. Those who survived the plague were compelled to adjust to a new social and economic reality. Such a multitude of people had perished that a severe shortage of labor ensued which improved wages and living conditions for urban and rural workers. While these economic changes were permanent in some regions, in other areas the nobility and landowners successfully maintain the status quo. For example, in England when peasants attempted to take advantage of the favorable new conditions for workers after the plague, an assortment of peasants forces the King Richard II to meet with the rebels and agree to their stipulations. Yet, as soon as he was strong enough, Richard went back on his word and the peasant rebellions...
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