At the beginning of the 14th century, the economic growth of Europe was reduced drastically. There were three reasons for that.
a) Change in the climate.
b) Lack of trade.
c) Plague.
By the end of the 13th century, there were significant changes in the climate of Northern Europe. The warm climate disappeared and instead of cold climate came. This climatic change adversely affected cultivation. It was difficult to cultivate in higher areas. Storms and disturbances in the sea affected shipping and trade. This reduced the income to the people and the government. The government was not getting enough taxes both from the peasants as well as traders.
Then there was the plague or Black Death. It killed a lot of people and brought the economy to a standstill. It took a long time for Europe to overcome this sorry state of affairs.
