1. The Bubonic Plague 1

2. – Between 800 and 1200 AD, global temperatures gradually increased, allowing for more food production. 2 Industrial Revolution Approximate Temperature Changes Over Time

3. As a result the population of Europe gradually rose from around 30 million to 75 million. 3

4. The average person’s quality of life improved somewhat under the rule of feudal lords, but it wouldn’t take much for the situation to change. 4

5. In 1315, temperatures dropped, farms failed to produce enough crops and salt supplies ran out (causing meat to not be preserved). 5

6. Widespread famine occurred throughout Europe from 1315 to 1322. Between 10% and 35% of the population of Northern Europe died of famine and disease. 6

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8. The Black Death In 1347, the bubonic plague, or Black Death, showed up in Europe. – Plague – a quickly spreading disease that causes many deaths 8

9. Wax figure  It was called the Black Death because of the black spots it caused on a person’s body. – Black Death - bubonic plague which spread across Asia and Europe in the mid-14 th century, returning many times until the 18 th century; killed millions of people. 9

10. Symptoms included… – bluish or black spots in the arm pits and groin – Painful swelling – High fever – Chills – Delirium 10

11. The Black Death was an epidemic, killing 75% and 90% of people who contracted it within a week. Epidemic- rapid spread of a disease 11

12. The plague was carried by fleas who hid in the fur of rats. 12

13. Medieval society was very dirty and unsanitary. – No sewer systems or trash collection – Bathing was discouraged 13

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15. The plague arrived on merchant ships from Asia. The first documented case in Europe was in the port of Messina, Sicily, in October 1347. Messina 15

16. When people heard that people had contracted the plague in a nearby town, they would flee. This actually helped spread the plague. 16

17. The plague traveled through mainland Europe along trade routes. 17

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19. A person’s social class and general health didn’t matter because the plague was so powerful. 19

20. The disease was so contagious that mothers abandoned their own children and priests refused to attend to the sick and dying. 20

21. “This scourge had implanted so great a terror in the hearts of men and women that brothers abandoned brothers, uncles their nephews, sisters their brothers, and in many cases wives deserted their husbands. But even worse, and almost incredible was the fact that fathers and mothers refused to nurse and assist their own children, as though they did not belong to them.” 21

22. So many people died that the living either could not, or would not, bury all of the dead. 22

23. “Bring out your dead!” 23

24. Two-thirds of priests died. They were replaced by inexperienced young men, which weakened the power of the church. 24

25. Priests were in such short supply that there weren’t enough to perform last rights on the dying. Pope Clement VI granted forgiveness of sins to all who died of the plague. The pope also allowed people to confess their sins to one another, "even to a woman." 25

26. Many people lost faith in the church because even the most religious people were not spared from the plague and the church didn’t seem to have any answers. 26

27. Groups of flagellants traveled throughout Europe whipping themselves to show regret and earn God’s favor. The open wounds on their backs were more likely to become infected. 27

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29. People looked for someone, or something, to blame for causing the plague. 29

30. Jews, who have often been a victim of hatred, were blamed for poisoning wells. Thousands were driven from their homes or massacred. 30

31. People’s negative outlook on life was reflected in the artwork of the late Middle Ages. 31

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33. End of the Black Death The plague eventually stopped around 1351 when colder weather killed the rats and fleas, people improved sanitation somewhat. If you survived the plague, you gained an immunity to it. 33

34. Overall, between 20 and 25 million people in Europe were killed by the bubonic plague. About 1/3 of the European population. 35 million people died in China. 34

35. 35 Norman Invasion Magna Carta Start Black Death End Black Death End Tudor Period

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37. The plague flared up from time to time through the rest of history, but the death wasn’t on the scale of the Black Death of 1347-51. 37

38. Impacts of the Bubonic Plague 1) Large population decline led to a shortage of workers. – This caused a lack of production and higher prices for products. – Cities were also abandoned and fields allowed to go wild. 38

39. 2) This caused a decline in the feudal system. – Serfs revolted to get higher wages and more rights. 39

40. 3) The power of, and respect for, the Catholic Church declined. 40

41. 4) Trade was disrupted between cities because most people were afraid to travel or cities had been blocked off. 41