1) 2. Which event contributed most to Europe's movement away from feudalism and toward an economic system based on the exchange of money? the exploration of unknown worlds by Europe's explorers the labor shortage caused by the Black Death increased literacy rates due to the invention of the printing press the final battle of the Hundred Years' War

## Step 1<br />The question asks us to identify the event that had the most significant impact on the transition from feudalism to a money-based economic system in Europe. The options provided are:<br />- The exploration of unknown worlds by Europe's explorers<br />- The labor shortage caused by the Black Death<br />- Increased literacy rates due to the invention of the printing press<br />- The final battle of the Hundred Years' War<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to evaluate each option based on its potential to disrupt the feudal system and promote a money-based economic system.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The exploration of unknown worlds by Europe's explorers, while significant in terms of geographical expansion, did not directly contribute to the transition from feudalism to a money-based economic system.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The labor shortage caused by the Black Death had a significant impact on the feudal system. The Black Death led to a massive decrease in population, which in turn led to a labor shortage. This shortage increased the value of labor, as there were fewer people to work. As a result, serfs were able to demand better working conditions and wages, which disrupted the traditional feudal system.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Increased literacy rates due to the invention of the printing press, while important for the spread of knowledge and ideas, did not directly contribute to the transition from feudalism to a money-based economic system.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />The final battle of the Hundred Years' War, while significant in terms of military conflict, did not directly contribute to the transition from feudalism to a money-based economic system.