Positive and Negative Results of The Black Plague - 847 Words

The Black Plague, perhaps one of the worst epidemics in history, swept its evil across Europe in the middle of the 14th century, killing an estimated 20 million people. This major population shift, along with other disasters occurring at the time, such as famine and an already existing economic recession, plunged Europe into a dark period of complete turmoil. Anarchy, psychological breakdowns, and the dissipation of church power were some of the results. As time passed, however, society managed to find new ground and began its long path of recovery. The plague, as catastrophic as it was to medieval Europe, had just as many positive effects that came with this recovery as it did negative effects prior. An end to feudalism, increased wages†¦show more content†¦New society brings new generations of people, with new heads and new ideas, all of which played a factor in the technological innovations after the plague. The plow is such an example, improving in the late Middle Ages and greatly increasing agricultural productivity, which in turn helped sustain a population increase. One of the most unique inventions of the time was the clock, which historian Lewis Mumford identifies as the â€Å"key machine of the modern industrial age† (cite). The clock presented a means for organization, efficiency, and a new experience and view of time. Lens grinding, gunpowder, and new printing technologies presented a window of opportunity for post plague Europe. With printing technologies came an increased literature rate. This, along with lens grinding, which created the ability to make telescopes, brought the beginning of philosophy. As beneficial as these new technologies have been, all of the innovation that came after the plague has not had as great an impact as the church, its power struggle, and the separation of church and state. Before the plague, the Church had complete control over society in Europe and was the absolute worldview for people of that time. The devastation of the disease left many looking for answers, generally from the church, but the church was in no position to help. As church officials fled, it angered those who once had faith, leading to the steady decline of the authority of the church. At oneShow MoreRelatedThe Black Death : The Black Death Of The 14th Century868 Words   |  4 Pagesits based on the Black Death. A disastrous plague of the 14th century, the Black Death took the lives of 75 million (History) throughout central Asia and Europe (Wein). Introduced first by rats from Crimea, the plague spread through rats, human contact, and even the air. The nickname Black Death is attributable to the dark blotches that covered victims, due to the damage to underlying skin and tissue (Wein). People have a tendency to see only the negative aspects of the plague, failing to see theRead MoreThe Black Death And Its Impact On Society1291 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history many natural events have had a profound e ffect on mankind, but few of these events have shaped history and culture as profoundly as the Black Death. The Black Death was the name given to the deadly disease that hugely disrupted Europe between 1347 and 1351. The disaster influenced and altered all aspects of European life. This major catastrophe had many later effects, however due to 50 million deaths, people s economic status shifted and these changes left a lasting impact uponRead MoreThe Period Of The Middle Ages1007 Words   |  5 Pagesages began at the fall of the Roman empire in 476 and lasted all the way to 1500; a 100 year period. During this time was when the Malthusian Crisis / Deadlock occurred. Killing much of the population, by famine, disease, etc, this was in a sense a positive thing because of the overpopulation. Famine had a rather large effect. This included ergotism which produces a chemical that causes delusion and loss of circulation and loss of fingers and/or limbs. The cause was poisoning from ergot, a fungus, whichRead MoreEssay on Economic Effects of the Black Plague in England1748 Words   |  7 Pagesfamine, disease and economic decay, leading to what many historians believe to be the end of the Middle Ages. Although there were many contributing factors such as famine, collapsing institutions and war. Many historians believe the arrival of the Black Death to England in 1348 was the final straw, and the most impactful agent of change in that area. In a letter to his brother, Petrarch wrote, â€Å"When has any such thing been even heard or seen; in what annals has it ever been read that ho uses wereRead MoreThe Black Death : A Disastrous Mortal Disease And Spread Across Europe1373 Words   |  6 PagesThe Black Death, so named by later historians, was a disastrous mortal disease and spread across Europe in the years 1347~1352(Hunt 416). The Black Death, now known as plague, is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. When humans are bitten by a rodent flea, humans usually get the plaque (Plague Homepage | CDC). Nowadays, the plague can be treated by antibiotics easily. However, in the middle of the 14th century, no one knew what caused the disease, and how the disease was transmitted to othersRead MoreUse Of Historiography, Facts And Figures, The Impacts The Black Death Essay1800 Words   |  8 Pagesand figures, the impacts the â€Å"Black Death† had on Europe, especially focusing on Britain. The Black Death killed almost 200 million innocent men, woman and children worldwide and peaked in Europe around mid-14th century. In London alone it was estimated tha t two thirds of the population was completely obliterated, while around one third of the whole of Europe were also diminished, during this time period. One historian, Sean Martin, explained how quickly the plague spread from one person to anotherRead MoreThe Video Empire Of Death1734 Words   |  7 Pagesof convincing evidence that is presented. Video #2 The Plague In The Plague the effects of the Black Death that ravaged Europe in the fourteenth century are described. The video begins by discussing the conditions that were the norm at the beginning of the 1340’s. To the people at the time, the church and its teachings were the answer to all of life’s questions. Even medicine was closely associated with the teachings of the Bible. The plague began in Mongolia and followed the trade routes that hadRead MoreBreaking The School Of Prison Pipeline859 Words   |  4 Pageswhether you were black, Latino, or white? Unfortunately, police brutality is the sad reality that many black and Latino boys experience in their childhood. The disadvantages of their upbringing results to the reinforcement of societal restrictions on their success. On a positive note, education becomes salvation to marginalized group because it provides them means to escape the system that prevents them from becoming successful. However, Charles M. Blows and Victor M . Rios reveal that black and LatinoRead MoreBlack Women And The Media1107 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Oh my gosh! you’re so pretty for a black girl.† â€Å"You’re black so I know you can twerk.† In society these phrases may be considered as compliments for black women even though they are not. However, people only know what the media portrays black women to be. It emphasizes them as ghetto, loud, angry, and ignorant. Black women are more than the negative stigma that the media portrays. In our society, the media reinforces the plague of African American women by stereotypes and falsities originatingRead MoreEssay about Climate and Society of China936 Words   |  4 Pagesworld, these three themes have affected one another. Weather has influenced civilizations in terms of the clothing and shelter which are necessary to protect oneself from the elements. On the other extreme, climate and weather have also acted as positive factors in the case of areas suc h as Cancun, Mexico. Continuous exceptional weather conditions have molded this area into a vacation Eden to which millions flock throughout the year to escape their own respective meteorologically disadvantaged (e