Black Death and Peasants' Revolt

Black Death (1348)

  • Two types of plague: bubonic and pneumonic.
  • Worldwide deaths: approximately 75 million.
  • England: one-third to one-half of the population died.
  • Bubonic plague: spread by fleas on black rats; symptoms included fever, buboes, and rash; 70% mortality.
  • Pneumonic plague: spread through infected air, attacking the lungs; rapid death within a week.

Peasants' Revolt (1381)

  • Approximately 60,000 peasants marched to London.
  • Reasons: protest against high taxes and low wages.
  • Events: rioting in London, destruction of property, and the killing of key figures like the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  • Outcome: initial agreement by the King to the peasant's demands, followed by the King reneging on promises and suppressing the revolt.
  • Key People:
    • Richard II: King of England.
    • Wat Tyler: peasant leader, killed during the revolt.
    • John Ball: priest and revolt leader, executed for his role.

Key Concepts

  • Plague: infectious disease with high mortality.
  • Contagion: spread of disease.
  • Pasteurella pestis: germ that caused the Black Death.
  • Statute of Labourers: law fixing wages at pre-Black Death levels.
  • Poll tax: tax that incited the Peasants' Revolt.

Assessing Significance

  • Consider immediate changes and the number of people affected.
  • Evaluate long-term impact and remembrance in modern times.