When we look back at the rapid spread of the disease and the dramatic impact it had throughout Europe, we must remember that neither of these circumstances would have been possible without the existence of a well-established regional and intercontinental trade network. The disease quite literally used these routes to its own advantage, spreading quickly from one urban center to the next, killing tens of millions of people in only a few short years. Obviously, the virulence of the Black Death and the lack of knowledge regarding disease spread were major factors in the devastating effects of the disease in 14th century Europe. Had it been less fatal or medical science more advanced, the effects might not have been as grave. However, the most important factor that facilitated the...
Given the short time intervals between infection and death, speed of transmission was a crucial factor in the success of the disease. Without the network of trade routes, the Black Death wouldn't have been able to pass quickly through Europe.
..To speak to or go near the sick brought infection and a common death... To touch the clothes (which) the sick had touched or worn gave the disease to the person touching" (Williams, 167). This description is quite accurate, yet even well-educated and enlightened Boccaccio himself did not know how the plague was spread from one person to another. It is also true that the plague bacillus could be spread
Laborers began to demand a wage for their efforts, which led to the rise of a money-based economy as opposed to the earlier land-based economy (middle-ages.org). Europeans in the middle ages tended to be superstitious in their religious beliefs. As they searched for something or someone to blame for the wrath of the plague, all of their praying and blind faith did not protect them from being infected. Comets, earthquakes, astrological
This suffering was not exclusive to the lower classes with all social groups being affected. Outbreaks of bubonic plague were a regular feature of the Medieval Period though never as severe. Those who survived the plague were compelled to adjust to a new social and economic reality. Such a multitude of people had perished that a severe shortage of labor ensued which improved wages and living conditions for urban
Black Death in 14th Century Europe Pivot Point In History causes and effects in history 20/20 HISTORICAL HINDSIGHT The Black Death of the middle 14th Century in Europe was a major pivot point in History. Three ways it was a turning point can be seen through social hierarchy, the Roman Catholic Church and Medicine. Social hierarchy, the Church and Medicine were all different before the Black Death, they all failed during the Black Death,
Black Death and its impact on Western Civilization Black Death and Religion The Black Death adversely impacted the reputation of the Catholic Church since its own adherents (including clergy) were ill and dying and the Church proved impotent to cure them. This feeling of disillusionment towards the church was reinforced by oen of the theories of its transmission that speculated that it was disseminated through the air by way of "miasma'
Black Death and Religion in Western Europe The Black Death is perhaps considered as the most devastating pandemic that has happened to humanity in the previous to the present century. The disease was transmitted from Asia into and through Europe. The disease set feet in Europe by the sea in October of 1347 when trading ships belonging to Genoese set their dock at the Silician Port of Messina when it
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