1350-1450

Climate Change and Black Death

1000-1300: warmer than usual temperatures1300-1450: colder temperatures, more

precipitation What would be the environmental impact of

this shift?

“The Little Ice Age”

Freezing water sourcesRuined cropsAbandoned colonies in GreenlandFood shortage and increased prices

Consequences

Decreased nutritionAbandonment of lands; more land in the

hands of richPostponement of marriageDecrease of populationScapegoating of Jews, rich and speculatorsSpread of misery across of Europe

Social Consequences of Climate Change

The Black Death

Spread by flea bites spread by ratsSymptoms:

Boil the size of an apple on the armpit,groin or neck

Black spots appear on skinCough and spit up blood; death in 2-3 days

The Disease

Originated in Asia, carried west by Mongols1st reports of disease in Genoa, 1347Factors contributing spread

Poor urban sanitationWeakened immune systemsIncreased mobility

Why did it spread so quickly?

England: pop. 4.2 million, 1.4 million diedEst. 1/3 of total European population died

from plagueReappeared several times from 1360-1400

Mortality

Drs. attributed disease to “poisons” unbalancing the body, not germs

Balance the fluidsVomitingLancing boilsInducing sweats“Letting” blood

Medical Treatment

Increased productivity due to population lossIncreased opportunity for survivorsInflation Higher wages and standard of living

Economic Effects

Catholic clergy disproportionately victimizedRenewed piousnessReligious fanaticism (ex: flagellants)

Religious Effects

Scapegoating of JewsConcern with deathBreak-down of international culture

Social Effects

The Dance of Death

Death spareth not low nor high degreePopes, Kings, nor worthy EmperorsWhen they shine most in felicityHe can abate the freshness of their flowersEclipse their bright suns with his showers…Sir Emperor, lord of all the ground,Sovereign Prince, and highest of noblesYou must forsake your round apples of goldLeave behind your treasure and richesAnd with others to my dance obey.

15th Century English Poem