" (Covington) This war, called the Hundred Years War, "changed the nature of warfare in the Middle Ages." (Cantor 436) The war was a vicious attack against the governments of both countries. The central government of England had been growing weaker and weaker during the conflict (Dike 627). In addition, "the French monarchy was weakened during much of the war." (Covington) Both sides loss reputation, and as a result, destroyed their image amongst the people. "In France as a result of the Hundred Years War the nobles and the clergy lost a deal of their wealth." (Dike 623) Not only did the governments lose prestige, but they also lost a wealth. Also, the War of the Roses, "a dynastic struggle between the Houses of York and Lancaster," (Cantor 436) added to the warfare in Europe. This struggle was for control of the English throne. "In 1455 broke out a series of battles, raids, border fights, feuds, and murders." (Dike 628) As people of Europe saw these new wars emerge they began to see the flaws in their world, which ultimately caused a downfall in their society. These wars were another major factor in the collapse of medieval synthesis.
The social upheaval in medieval life was another factor contributing to the breakdown of medieval synthesis. "Landlords and their peasant tenants were set against each other, because economic change had made the social structure of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries obsolete." (Muhlberger) During the medieval times peasants and landlords developed a relationship that proved to benefit all of society. When the Black Plague struck and many of the wars began to emerge, this relationship was disturbed. "Landlords and tenants did not get along during this time period. High cost of living and low wages caused many social debacles between these two classes." (Muhlberger) The peasants were not receiving enough compensation for their work. As a result, they were unable to pay their rent.
