The Middle Ages, often called the Dark Ages, were considered a time of despair, disease, and death. As the name “Dark Ages” suggests, this period of European history seemed shrouded in darkness and despair. Unfortunately, the majority of people only see this side of the Middle Ages when in reality, the Middle Ages were a much more important era. Especially in the late Middle Ages, we can see a change in the Orthodox social structure, political instability mainly linked to the succession to the throne, as well as economic changes and the way in which these changes went hand in hand with the change in the Company. After certain demographic changes and turning points such as the Hundred Years' War, Europe began to transform radically, thereby threatening traditional Europe. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, the late Middle Ages was a time when absolute monarchy began to die and the social structure seemed to be upended due to drastic changes in economic practices. Late medieval politics is best described as unstable due to competition for succession and power. The most important event of this period was the Hundred Years' War, essentially a territorial conflict and competition for succession between the king of England and the king of France after the collapse of the Capetian monarchy. (Spielvogel 281) After the Hundred Years' War, Europe went through a period of adversity in terms of political stability. In England, “Parliament grew in importance” and even the king came to “rely on Parliament to raise new taxes.” (Spielvogel 285) The English monarch no longer had absolute power; he had “undertaken not to levy any direct taxes without the consent of Parliament”. (Spielvogel 285) In France, the absolute...... middle of paper ...... became very popular during the Renaissance era. Although many people think of the Middle Ages only as a period in history when time seemed to stand still and all advancements seemed suspended, it turns out to be a vital part of European history. The results of the Hundred Years' War and other territorial or succession conflicts collapsed the centralized monarchy and gave rise to political administrations that can be seen today, such as Parliament. Additionally, the Black Death led to a shortage of population and labor, allowing peasants to rise in value and lords to decline in importance. Economic models began to change direction and encouraged peasants to continue to climb the social ladder, as lords no longer had the power to do what they wanted. The end of the Middle Ages therefore proved to be a turning point towards modern Europe..