Responses to the Black Death, 1250-1500 Flashcards
When did the Black Death begin and how did it spread to Europe?
-The Black Death began in Asia and spread to Europe along trade routes.
When did the Black Death arrive in England and how quickly did it spread?
-The Black Death arrived in England in 1348 and spread rapidly, reaching most of the country by 1349.
What were the three types of plague associated with the Black Death, and what were their symptoms?
-Bubonic Plague - swellings (buboes) in the armpits and groin, fever, and chills
-Septicemic Plague-Bleeding under the skin, vomiting, and sever illness
-Pneumonic Plague- Coughing up blood, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
What were some medieval beliefs about the causes of the Black Death?
-it was a punishment from God for people’s sins
-Unusual planetary movements were to blame
-“Miasma” (bad air) spread the disease
-Imbalanced humors in the body made people vulnerable.
What were some treatments used for the Black Death, and were they successful?
-Tying live toads or chicken to buboes to draw out disease
-Bloodletting to balance the humors.
-None of these treatments were successful in curing the disease.
What were some ways medieval people tried to protect themselves from the Black Death?
-praying and religious rituals to seek God’s forgiveness.
-Burning rosemary to purify the air
-fleeing towns to find”clean” air
-Avoiding strangers and shutting away the sick
-Flagellation to atone for ones sins
What were 3 consequences of the Black Death?
-Labor shortages, leading to increased wages for peasants.
-Weakened feudal systems,as survivors demanded better conditions
-Severe population decline - up to 50% of Europe’s population died.
