BUBONIC PLAGUE/BLACK DEATH

DEFINITIONS:

• A deadly contagious disease caused by bacteria and spread by fleas (👈rhymes)
• Also called the Black Death

WHERE IT ORIGINATED:

• According to historians it...
• Began in Central Asia
• Spread through China, India, and the Middle East
• In 1346 the plague struck Europe

HOW IT SPREAD:

• Infected fleas fed on the blood of rats
• Rats die
• Fleas move on to other animals and people
• People became infected and died

LIVING CONDITIONS

• Streets filled with human waste, dead animals, and trash
• These dirty conditions helped the Bubonic Plaque spread

WHY IS IT CALLED THE "BLACK DEATH":

• Term came from the blue and black buboes (bumps) on the skin of victims

TIME PERIOD OF PLAGUE:

• First struck Europe from 1346-1351
• Came back in waves through the 14th century
• Also went into the 15th century

WHO WAS BLAMED:

• Position of planets, lepers, and Jews
• Jews were punished the most
• Jews were kicked out of the countries of England, France, and Germany

PEASANT'S REBELLION:

• Peasants wanted a better life
• English Peasants' War in 1381
• English rebels showed demands to King Richard II
• Leader of rebellion killed
• Revolt lost momentum

IMPACTS ON SOCIETY:

• After plague, power shifted to the common people
• About 24 million Europeans died
• Workers were needed
• Peasants could demand more money and rights
• Some peasants and serfs moved to towns or cities for better lives

IMPACTS ON ECONOMY:

• Third of population lost
• Trade and commerce slows down
• Less workers=less products=less money

IMPACTS ON FEUDALISM:

• A shift of power occurred...
• Nobles to the common people
• Feudal lords also lost power
• Weakens manor system