The Plague, specifically the Black Death, had a catastrophic impact on European society in the Middle Ages. Arriving in the mid-14th century, it resulted in the deaths of an estimated one-third to one-half of Europe's population. This massive population decline led to labor shortages, empowering surviving workers to demand better wages and working conditions, which contributed to the decline of the feudal system. Socially, the Plague instigated a loss of faith in religious institutions, as they could not provide explanations or cures. The aftermath contributed to significant social, economic, and cultural changes, paving the way for the Renaissance and eventual modernization.