15.5

What is a plague? ◦ The Black Death was a plague that

spread throughout Europe and Asia in the late Middle Ages

Historians believe Mongol traders using the Silk Road were responsible for its spread.◦ Rats carrying the plague (via fleas)

were brought in on the trading caravans.

The first outbreak of the Black Death appeared in China, then in India, Muslim countries and Europe.

The European outbreak in Caffa, a city on the Black Sea.

About 38 million Europeans died of the B.D. between 1347-1351.◦ Damaged the economy◦ Greatly weakened the feudal system

How did the B.D. affect the economy?

Note the population shift on p. 555

In some places like France and Spain there were reports of 80% of the pop. dying, while in Germany and England reports were around 20%.

100 Years’ War began after Edward III angered the French by declaring himself king of France in 1337.

Joan of Arc – A French peasant girl fought with the French army during the war. The English captured her and tried her by the Inquisition. She was burned at the stake in 1431.

French defeated the English in 1453.

After a civil war in England called the War of the Roses, Henry Tudor was crowned Henry VII.

Muslims ruled much of Spain and Portugal even though most in the countries were Christians.◦ Christians resented Muslim rule.◦ The Reconquista was the Christians’ struggle to

retake Spain and Portugal.

Princess Isabella of Castile married Prince Ferdinand of Aragon.◦ As king and queen, they later

united their two territories into one country of called Spain.

Ferdinand and Isabella wanted all of Spain to be Catholic.◦ Wanted the Jews and Muslims

out.◦ The Spanish Inquisition tried

people who were not loyal to the Catholic faith.

Pear

Spanish Donkey

Heretics Fork

Knee Splitter

Judas Cradle

The Rack

Skull Crusher

The Boots

Inquisitor’s Chair