1. The
Bubonic Plague

2. The Bubonic Plague First emerged in the 14th century (1347)
Dispute as to where it originated, but most likely from Asia
Brought to Western Europe via merchant ships carrying infected rats
A.K.A. Black Plague, Black Death

3. Background Europe was overpopulated in the 14th century
There was a shortage in food, therefore much of Europe was malnourished
Where’s the food?... Bad weather and poor harvests led to famine

5. How it is Contracted/Spread
Flea carries bacteria, catches a ride on the rat
Bacteria multiply in flea’s stomach
Flea bites human and spreads bacteria
Infected human spreads bacteria to another human

6. Symptoms
Develop a large growth (called a buba) on your neck, groin or armpit
You could have the buba lanced (cut off), but there were no guarantees of survival
Extreme pain
Black spots or blotches due to internal bleeding
Violent coughing of blood
Death comes within 1 week. No cure at that time

7. 2 Forms of the Plague
Bubonic- flea was the transmitter of the bacteria.
Pneumonic- human to human transmission of the disease.
14th century Europe did make attempts at some sanitation & hygiene, but to no avail.
Closeness was a factor… 6-8 people often slept in one room.

8. Impact on Population
Estimates range from 1/3 to 1/2 of Europe’s population depleted (75 million worldwide)
Villages destroyed and survivors moved to cities for jobs
Cities hit the hardest due to overcrowding & sanitation problems
All social classes affected, but mainly the lower class
The Plague continued throughout the 18th century (1700’s)
Cure is discovered in 1947 by an American

9. Social & Economic Impact
No one knew what to do or how it spread.
Less people in Europe meant more food and jobs to go around. Good thing!
However, an inflation did occur due to lack of production. Food more costly
Workers fought for better wages & standard of living. Rebellions occured
The Hundred Years’ War would produce more destruction

10. Impact on the Church
Population lost faith in clergy members who claimed they could cure victims
Theories emerged that God was punishing the Europeans, Christians blamed the Jews
Extreme groups formed like the flagellants who would beat themselves as punishment for society’s sins
The church lost much of its clergy, church reforms would soon emerge

11. Cultural Impact
European society grew very pessimistic about life in general
Angry about their losses
Literature, art, and music emphasize death and the plague
New universities formed at this time due to the “decay of learning” during the plague

12. Question
Using the question below, please form a response in your notebook based on what was covered in class today:
How did the Bubonic Plague affect the culture, society, economy, and religious aspects of 14th century Europe?