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Climate Change and Black Death

Climate Change and Black Death. 1350-1450. “The Little Ice Age”. 1000-1300: warmer than usual temperatures 1300-1450: colder temperatures, more precipitation What would be the environmental impact of this shift?. Consequences. Freezing water sources Ruined crops

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Climate Change and Black Death

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  1. Climate Change and Black Death 1350-1450

  2. “The Little Ice Age” • 1000-1300: warmer than usual temperatures • 1300-1450: colder temperatures, more precipitation • What would be the environmental impact of this shift?

  3. Consequences • Freezing water sources • Ruined crops • Abandoned colonies in Greenland • Food shortage and increased prices

  4. Social Consequences of Climate Change • Decreased nutrition • Abandonment of lands; more land in the hands of rich • Postponement of marriage • Decrease of population • Scapegoating of Jews, rich and speculators • Spread of misery across of Europe

  5. The Black Death

  6. The Disease • Spread by flea bites spread by rats • Symptoms: • Boil the size of an apple on the armpit,groin or neck • Black spots appear on skin • Cough and spit up blood; death in 2-3 days

  7. Why did it spread so quickly? • Originated in Asia, carried west by Mongols • 1st reports of disease in Genoa, 1347 • Factors contributing spread • Poor urban sanitation • Weakened immune systems • Increased mobility

  8. Mortality • England: pop. 4.2 million, 1.4 million died • Est. 1/3 of total European population died from plague • Reappeared several times from 1360-1400

  9. Medical Treatment • Drs. attributed disease to “poisons” unbalancing the body, not germs • Balance the fluids • Vomiting • Lancing boils • Inducing sweats • “Letting” blood

  10. Economic Effects • Increased productivity due to population loss • Increased opportunity for survivors • Inflation • Higher wages and standard of living

  11. Religious Effects • Catholic clergy disproportionately victimized • Renewed piousness • Religious fanaticism (ex: flagellants)

  12. Social Effects • Scapegoating of Jews • Concern with death • Break-down of international culture

  13. The Dance of Death

  14. 15th Century English Poem Death spareth not low nor high degree Popes, Kings, nor worthy Emperors When they shine most in felicity He can abate the freshness of their flowers Eclipse their bright suns with his showers… Sir Emperor, lord of all the ground, Sovereign Prince, and highest of nobles You must forsake your round apples of gold Leave behind your treasure and riches And with others to my dance obey.

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