The Bubonic Plague

The Black Plague

Hit Europe in 1348 14th century

Carried by ships throughout Europe

Rats infested the goods on board

Fleas on the rats spread the plague to humans

Details Plague occurs in 3 forms

Pneumonic Phase▪ Attacks the lungs▪ Causes coughing, sneezing, chest pain and blood in the lungs

Septicemic Phase▪ Rarest▪ Travels through the blood stream▪ Black spots appear beneath the skin▪ Causes choking on blood and excruciating death

Bubonic Phase▪ Most common ▪ Swellings in the neck, armpits, groin▪ Headaches, Weakness, Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, and Delirium

Stopping the Plague

Face coverings

Leeching, Pomanders and other “cures”

Flagellants Self-inflicted penance for sins

Anti-Semitism Blamed Jews for God’s unhappiness Attacks on Jewish communities

WitchPlague

Results

Killed approximately 75-200 million people in Europe

Estimated that 45-50% of Europe’s population died during the 4 year period This varied from country to country 20% of England and Germany’s population 75-80% Italy and Southern France and

Spain’s population 40% of Egypt’s population

Effects Weakened the Church

Loss of Clergy Loss of faith

Weakened Nobility Loss of Manorial

Labor shortage Led to call for wages Serfs fleeing towns

Brings about the end of the Middle Ages

Connection to Today

Immunity to HIV virus Recent studies have shown that Plague

survivors may have immunity to the HIV AIDS virus

The Bubonic Plague takes over white blood cells and affects the lymph node system▪ HIV works similarly ▪ Those that were able to survive Plague virus

have a gene that makes them resistant to HIV as well

Mix, Freeze, Pair Read “The Signs of Impending Death”

When instructed to Mix, begin to walk around the room

When told to Freeze, stop and look for someone to partner up with

After stopping, Pair up with someone and discuss the question asked over each section

The Signs of Impending Death

Why was the Bubonic Plague so deadly?

Why wasn’t it treatable? Why did so many people die?

Varying Reactions to Disaster

What were some reactions to the plague?

How did people cope with the devestation?

The Breakdown of Social Order

What caused the breakdown? With the loss of peasants what other

problems would arise?

Mass Burials

What could be a problem with leaving the dead in the street?

How did the plague affect burials?

Reflection

Write a half page: The Plague has hit your city, you can

stay and help your friends or family or flee. What do you decide and why?

Write in complete sentences Turn in before the end of class