The Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic Plague

• First emerged in the 14th century (1347)

• Dispute as to where it originated, but most likely from Asia

• Brought to Western Europe via merchant ships carrying infected rats

• A.K.A. Black Plague, Black Death

Background

• Europe was overpopulated in the 14th century

• There was a shortage in food, therefore much of Europe was malnourished

• Where’s the food?... Bad weather and poor harvests led to famine

How it is Contracted/Spread

1. Flea carries bacteria, catches a ride on the rat

2. Bacteria multiply in flea’s stomach

3. Flea bites human and spreads bacteria

4. Infected human spreads bacteria to another human

Symptoms• Develop a large growth

(called a buba) on your neck, groin or armpit

• You could have the buba lanced (cut off), but there were no guarantees of survival

• Extreme pain• Black spots or blotches

due to internal bleeding• Violent coughing of blood• Death comes within 1

week. No cure at that time

2 Forms of the Plague

• Bubonic- flea was the transmitter of the bacteria.

• Pneumonic- human to human transmission of the disease.

• 14th century Europe did make attempts at some sanitation & hygiene, but to no avail.

• Closeness was a factor… 6-8 people often slept in one room.

Impact on Population

• Estimates range from 1/3 to 1/2 of Europe’s population depleted (75 million worldwide)

• Villages destroyed and survivors moved to cities for jobs

• Cities hit the hardest due to overcrowding & sanitation problems

• All social classes affected, but mainly the lower class

• The Plague continued throughout the 18th century (1700’s)

• Cure is discovered in 1947 by an American

Social & Economic Impact

• No one knew what to do or how it spread.

• Less people in Europe meant more food and jobs to go around. Good thing!

• However, an inflation did occur due to lack of production. Food more costly

• Workers fought for better wages & standard of living. Rebellions occured

• The Hundred Years’ War would produce more destruction

Impact on the Church

• Population lost faith in clergy members who claimed they could cure victims

• Theories emerged that God was punishing the Europeans, Christians blamed the Jews

• Extreme groups formed like the flagellants who would beat themselves as punishment for society’s sins

• The church lost much of its clergy, church reforms would soon emerge

Cultural Impact

• European society grew very pessimistic about life in general

• Angry about their losses• Literature, art, and music

emphasize death and the plague

• New universities formed at this time due to the “decay of learning” during the plague

Question• Using the question below, please form a

response in your notebook based on what was covered in class today:

How did the Bubonic Plague affect the culture, society, economy, and religious aspects of 14th century Europe?