Gothic architecture's purpose and optimism

The disasters of the fourteenth century triggered reactions that involved and impacted the highest levels of the Roman Catholic Church. As we work through the topic, we'll explore the following questions:

1. How did the populace of Europe respond to the disasters of the fourteenth century?
2. Why did religious reformers begin springing up around this time? How did the Church react to them?
3. What were the goals of Gothic architecture?