Why did social tensions grow in Prague during the 14th century?

During the 14th century, Prague experienced significant economic growth and transformation into a major central European city, yet this prosperity contributed to an increasingly unstable social order. Several factors drove these growing tensions:

• Political and Economic Influence of Foreigners: Foreign merchants, particularly Germans and Italians, gained substantial economic and political power through their alliances with the kings, which created an uneasy atmosphere within the city.1
• Emergent Guilds: The rise of craft guilds introduced new social dynamics, as these organizations were frequently plagued by internal conflicts.1
• Economic Disparity: The presence of a growing population of town paupers added a volatile element to the city's social structure, further straining the stability of the community.1

While the reign of Charles IV brought significant cultural and architectural development—including the founding of Charles University and the construction of the Charles Bridge—the underlying social stratification and the influence of foreign interests made the city's social fabric increasingly fragile during this period.1