In 1349, a terrible plague known as the Black Death swept the nation, killing over half of its population. Then there were outbreaks of typhoid fever as well as diseases that affected livestock. This change began in the early 1300s when a great famine wiped out nearly half a million people in England. The growth of the wool industry in England was part of a greater change in which feudalism came to an end and a middle class arose. The manufacturing of wool in England was an important part of European economy in the Middle Ages. The growth of the wool industry led to the expansion of cities, which became centers of trade, manufacturing, and education. Beginning in the 13th century, one of England’s major industries was the production of woolen cloth. Although much of the wool remained in England, merchants were able to export a large quantity of the product. In fact, English wool became well known throughout Europe for its high quality. In the late Middle Ages more and more farms were dedicated to raising sheep. These peasants raised most of the food that was consumed by the nation. Throughout the Middle Ages the majority of people living in England worked the land as peasant farmers.
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