The Black Death World History and Geography 2011

The Black Death World History and Geography 2011 -2012 OHS

What is the “Black Death? ” • Plague – a global epidemic disease that causes high mortality rate. • The “Black Death” -> Plague in Europe in the 14 th century • One of the most deadly, but not the only plague recorded.

The Symptoms • Black bruises and swelling • Heavy sweats and convulsive coughing • Often victims stank, spat blood and died painfully.

Where did the Black Plague come from? • Came from China and spread westward through Middle East into Eastern Europe.

Spreading the Black Death

Spreading the Black Death • Rat infested cities in China • Traders carried plague infested fleas from the rats • Traders then came to Europe and brought the Black Death

Social Effects of the Black Plague • Increased questioning of the Catholic Church • “Why did God spare some and save others? ”

Economic Effects of the Black Death • Trade Decreases • Peasants and artisans lose jobs and land • Wages decrease • People, poor and afraid of the Black Death, rise up and fight for power.

Death Toll • Estimated to have killed around 30% of Europe’s population – 1 out of every 3 people • Killed millions in China and across the Middle East • At peak, killed 7, 000 people a day