History summer 2025 - the Black death

What were the causes of the Black death

It came over the Black sea from Asia on the fleas on the rats on the boats trading with Britain. It was very contagious and the fleas jumped onto the people from the rats and then it spread quickly.

What did the people in the Middle Ages think caused the plague?

1. They thought it was God punishing them and would whip themselves with flagelations. They thought that might appease God.

2. They thought it was from bad smells - (Miasma) Doctors would wear masks like beaks and strange costumes to keep the smells away

3. They thought it was evil spirits and Priests would cast spells or pray over them.

What were the symptoms of the Black Death

1.A high fever,

2.headache,

3.painful large baboes under armpits which would burst and have black fluid in them,

4. toes and fingers would turn black

5.vomiting

What were the benefits to society after the plague

Many people had died and so workers were now in demand. They were able to make demands about working conditions - for example pay and working day. The rich people had less power.