The Black Death, which swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, led to significant economic changes by 1350. The resulting labor shortages increased wages for survivors, as demand for workers rose. This shift in economic power contributed to a rise in living standards for some, altering consumption patterns and influencing social structures in the aftermath of the plague.

The Black Death in 1350 led to significant social changes, reflected in literature such as Boccaccio's 'Decameron.' Poets began to address themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life, exploring human pleasures and consumption in the wake of widespread devastation and existential reflection.