The end of the Feudal Era in Europe was marked by several factors, including the rise of centralized monarchies, the growth of trade and commerce, and significant societal changes brought about by events like the Black Death. As the feudal system relied on a rigid social hierarchy and land-based economy, the plague decimated populations, leading to labor shortages that empowered serfs to demand higher wages and better conditions. Moreover, the rise of towns and a merchant class diminished the influence of feudal lords, paving the way for modern nation-states and fostering a move towards more democratic forms of governance.