History - The Black Death

What was the time period during which the Black Death swept across Europe?

From 1347 to 1351.

What bacterium caused the Black Death?

Yersinia pestis.

How did the Black Death primarily spread to Europe?

Through fleas on rats along trade routes.

Which city did the Black Death first reach in Italy?

It first reached the city of Genoa.

What were the main symptoms of the Black Death?

Chills, weakness, nausea, black boils, and ulcers.

What social response did people have to the Black Death based on their beliefs?

Some believed it was God's punishment and prayed or fasted.

What was one method some doctors used to treat plague victims?

Rolling people to different sides while they slept to keep their livers warm.

What significant impact did the Black Death have on Europe's population?

About 30-60 percent of Europe's population died.

What economic effect did the Black Death have on labor?

A shortage of labor led to higher wages for peasants.

What uprising occurred in France as a result of the Black Death?

The Jacquerie revolt in 1358.

How did the Black Death affect antisemitism in Europe?

It led to blaming Jews for the plague, resulting in massacres.

How did the plague affect social order in European cities?

It led to a breakdown of social order as many leaders died and control was lost.

What was one way that communities tried to contain the spread of the plague?

They quarantined those who got sick.

What misconception did people have about the causes of the Black Death?

They believed it was God punishing them for their sins.

What happened to many farms and livestock during the Black Death?

They were abandoned.