The Black Death and The World It Became

Kristen Young

Introduction

The Black Death occurred from 1347 to 1351

It destroyed between 30-50% of Europe’s population-hit England the hardest

Major Impact on both individuals and social groups

Rodents and Cattle

Components of the Black Death

The bubonic plague Stages

1. flu-like symptoms

2. buboes appear near groin and armpits

3. Pneumonia

Anthrax: Cattle carrying epidemic

Individual Impact

Port of Bordeaux Fall of great

leaders

Lord and Peasants

England-extremely rural -90% of population

When Black Death hit-40% of population was diminished

The Archbishop

England’s leading religious and intellectual figures –all whipped out by the plague

The Jewish Conspiracy

Jews-accused of spreading the plague by poisoning water in wells

Aftermath

Millions of bodies stacked on the streets

Decline of serfdom—rise of yeoman

Good for surviving women –given more of an air of independence

The emotional sides of medieval Christianity were a reaction to the loneliness and despair of the plague years

Direct impact on the church—wiped out 40% of parish clergy

The shortage of people to maintain staffing levels threatened stability and continuity

1341-