The first years of the 14th century were marked by famines, culminating in the Great Famine of 1315–17. The causes of the Great Famine included the slow transition from the Medieval Warm Period to the Little Ice Age, which left the population vulnerable when bad weather caused crop failures. The years 1313–14 and 1317–21 were excessively rainy throughout Europe, resulting in widespread crop failures. The climate change—which resulted in a declining average annual temperature for Europe during the 14th century—was accompanied by an economic downturn. COUNT 5
QSN1 In what years did the Great Famine occur? ANS1 1315–17 QSN2 What period resulted in poor weather that increased crop failures? ANS2 the Little Ice Age QSN3 What period preceded the Little Ice Age? ANS3 the Medieval Warm Period QSN4 Along with 1317–21, what span saw extreme rains in Europe? ANS4 1313–14 QSN5 In what century did the European average annual temperature decrease? ANS5 14th