The reason why the plague led to the rise of more powerful kings and nation-states by the 16th century was that the power of the Nobles and Lords were eroded.
Before the plague, Lords and Nobles exercised significant power over their lands and as such, the King did not have much power when it came to controlling them.
The plague however led to the deaths of the workforce of the Nobles and led to their power being eroded. As a result, they had to turn to the King for protection and which led to the Kings gaining more power and thereby creating modern nation-state.
Find out more on the effects of the plague at https://brainly.com/question/16066397
#SPJ1
