Question

Which factor MOST encouraged the specialization of labor and the creation of guilds in Europe in the late Middle Ages?

Answer 1

The bubonic plague and the lack of labor in it's aftermath caused the down spiral of the feudal caste system, and thus the specialization of labor began to become more and more common place.

Answer 2

Agricultural improvements lowered demand for farm labor

Step-by-step explanation:

The end of the Middle Ages was marked not only by the bubonic plague, but also by the beginning of modernization. At this time large-scale book production began and this made people more educated. All this instruction has led to improvements in the agricultural sector, creating equipment and techniques that improve rural work and reduce the need for agricultural labor.

Because of this, it was necessary that people began to specialize in something to ensure their livelihood and their family. For this reason, work specializations and guilds emerged in Europe.

The guilds or craft corporations were associations formed by professional and independent artisans, on equal terms. The guilds were meant to protect the interests of their members and to maintain the privileges gained. On the other hand, work specializations aimed to ensure the exclusivity of a service.