Final answer:
Europe fell into disorder after 476 AD because of the collapse of Roman authority which led to a lack of political stability and security. The deterioration of infrastructure impacted commerce, while religious influences from the Roman Catholic Church shaped new societal structures. Disasters like the Plague of Justinian further disrupted society, leading to Europe's bleak period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire
After the fall of Rome in 476 AD, Europe descended into disorder due to the collapse of Roman authority, which led to political instability and security issues. The fall of the Roman Empire caused Europe to become more rural and less connected to trade, as the infrastructure that allowed for safe travel and commerce had deteriorated. Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church played significant roles in shaping the new societal structures with the church seeking alliances with Germanic kings while imposing its religious beliefs and practices. The merging of military power with religious influence paved the way for what would be known as medieval culture. Natural disasters like the Plague of Justinian, as well as climate changes caused by volcanic eruptions, further exacerbated the economic and societal struggles during this bleak period in Western European history.
While Europe struggled, other regions such as the early Islamic kingdoms and the Byzantine Greeks managed to maintain trade and urban life. However, by the fourteenth century, Europe would be hit by further crises such as famine, war, and the deadly bubonic plague, which all contributed to the epoch of turmoil leading to profound transformations across the continent.