BLACK DEATH

What event marked the arrival of the Black Death in Britain?

The Black Death arrived in Malcolm Dorset on June 13, 1348.

What was the population of Britain before the Black Death?

The population was around 4 million.

What contributed to a slight population decrease during the 14th century?

Bad harvests and food shortages, including the famine of 1315/16.

How did the high population before the Black Death affect peasants' wages?

Lords did not have to pay their peasants much; many worked for no money.

What was the population drop as a result of the Black Death?

The population fell from 4 million to 2.5 million.

When did the Black Death reappear after its initial outbreak?

The plague reappeared in 1369, 1379-83, and 1389-93.

What was the impact of the population decrease on labor availability?

There were fewer people to farm stripfields, leading to a labor shortage.

How did surviving peasants react to the labor shortage?

They demanded higher wages since Lords could not turn them away.

What could happen if Lords did not pay fair wages to peasants?

Peasants could move to another village, even though it was against the law.

What did King Edward issue to control wages after the Black Death?

He issued the Ordinances of Labour, requiring peasants to work for the same wages as before.

How did some lords respond to the demand for higher wages?

Some lords were happy to pay higher wages to attract workers.

What methods were used to bypass wage laws?

Lords would give presents, food, clothes, or rent land cheaply.

What economic opportunity arose for some peasants after the Black Death?

Some peasants could rent land cheaply and become important farmers.

What agricultural shift occurred due to the labor shortage?

Landowners moved from crop farming to sheep farming, which required fewer workers.

How did landowners restructure their farmland?

They enclosed large fields with hedges or walls for sheep farming.

What was the impact of the Black Death on the clergy in England?

It is estimated that 40% of England's priests died.

What issue arose from the replacement of priests after the Black Death?

Many new priests were underqualified and poorly trained.

Who were the Lollards?

Individuals who believed laymen should read the Bible and share its message.

How did the Church react to the rise of the Lollards?

The Church opposed them, believing only priests should have that power.

What was a consequence of the Church's response to the Black Death?

Many survivors lost respect for the Church due to its inability to explain the outbreak.

What did many people question about the Church's explanation for the Black Death?

They questioned the Church's claim that God was punishing them for their sins.

How did the Black Death affect the social, political, and economic structure of British society?

It undermined much of the social, political, and economic fabric.

What type of land system was abolished after the Black Death?

The old land system introduced by the Normans was getting rid of.

What were the peasants allowed to farm in return for their labor before the Black Death?

They were allowed to farm a small plot of land to provide their own food.

Why were Lords unable to hire enough workers after the Black Death?

The population had decreased significantly, leading to a labor shortage.

What was the consequence of peasants moving to different villages?

It was against the law, but they sought better opportunities.

What did some lords do to attract workers even without raising wages?

They gave presents or rented land cheaply.

What was the impact on sheep farming as a result of labor shortages?

It became more popular as it required fewer workers.

What significant demographic change occurred in England after the Black Death?

Population decreased drastically from 4 million to 2.5 million.

What happened to land management practices after the Black Death?

Landowners enclosed fields to adapt to the new farming needs.

Why did people lose respect for priests after the Black Death?

Many new priests were poorly trained and could not fulfill their roles.

What ideological shift occurred among the survivors after the Black Death?

They began to challenge the Church's authority and wanted to access religious texts.

What effect did the Black Death have on clergy training?

The rapid replacement of dead priests led to underqualified clergy.

How did the labor shortages affect peasant living conditions?

Some peasants improved their conditions by negotiating for better opportunities.

What was the fate of the Lords' ability to hire workers post-Black Death?

Lords struggled to hire workers due to the significant population decrease.

What were the key consequences of fewer priests due to the Black Death?

There was a loss of respect for the clergy and a demand for lay access to the Bible.

What was one way lords attracted workers despite ordinances limiting wages?

By offering non-monetary incentives such as gifts.

What was a significant cultural impact of the Black Death on society?

It questioned the Church's explanations and authority among the populace.

What does the Ordinances of Labour entail?

A set of rules stating peasants had to work for the same wages as they did before the Black Death.

What were some of the reasons for landowners transitioning to sheep farming?

It was easier to manage and required fewer workers.

How did the Black Death provide opportunities for some peasants?

They were able to rent land cheaply and become successful farmers.

What demographic shift did the Black Death cause in England's population?

A dramatic decrease by about 1.5 million individuals.

What happened to the Church’s influence as a result of the Black Death?

It faced criticism and loss of authority as people questioned its role.