In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses the significant challenges faced by the state during a turbulent period. A major issue was the disconnect between the expanding functions of centralized government and the available financial resources. As the state evolved, it struggled to adapt its tax systems, which were still viewed as temporary measures that required the consent of the governed.

This lag in adapting taxation to meet the needs of a growing government created a variety of problems. The reliance on outdated concepts about taxation hindered effective governance and stifled the ability of the state to respond adequately to the challenges of the time, contributing to the turmoil experienced throughout the century.