Did The Black Death Constitute A Historical Turning Point?
To what extent did The Black Death constitute a historical turning point?
The death of a significant proportion of Eurasia’s population due to a devastating pandemic is unquestionably a definitive moment in history. However perhaps it could be contended that, whilst this grim disease instigated cataclysmic change within society, the plague was primarily a short-term turning point as it only limitedly delivered some long-term or extensive alterations in history. Indeed in many cases it appears that the Black Death immediately affected the economy, political, cultural and social systems at the time, yet is limited as a long-term turning point because it merely catalysing the timing and speed of any long term changes. Some historians such as …show more content…
Professor Michael Postan suggest that whilst the plague reduced population levels until well into the fifteenth century, this slump, although exacerbated, originated earlier as a consequence of natural preventative ‘checks’ such as soil exhaustion which would lead to reduced crop yields [1]. Although not all of Postan’s views are met with acceptance, this interpretation raises the question of whether the Black Death was truly a momentous turning point or whether a reduction in population levels due to a negative population effect was already in progress, and thus any changes in society were inevitable and in progress, before the plague. Furthermore it seems that once the population replenished to pre-plague levels many of the historical changes observed were subverted and few long-term or extensive changes were felt. It would be inaccurate to disregard the momentous impact the Black Death had in the short-term. As the population decreased, a sustainable balance between demand and available resources was attained. It would appear that for those who survived, this horrifying disease enhanced their quality of life and had a positive impact.
1. Michael Postan,The Medieval Economy and Society: An Economic History of Britain, 1100-1500 (University of California Press,1973), pp. 27-39 The diminishing work force meant that production dramatically declined, wages increased inexorably and food prices fell as demand slumped. This transformation of Medieval economics was highlighted by many English chroniclers who detailed for example how livestock sold for a menial proportion of its original value [2]. Increased labour costs may also have promoted the development of labour-saving technologies, for as Professor James Belich highlights, experts developed new innovative mechanisms and changed farming and labour practises in the hope of lowering costs [3]. Such technologies included Gutenberg’s invention of moveable-type printing, nearly a century after the Black Plague, which replaced the labour intensive method which involved scribes copying manuscripts by hand. Therefore it is fair to assume that the plague had a prime impact upon the immediate economy. However it would appear inaccurate to state that the plague was the chief mover of economic change apparent as there are observable differences in the economic outcomes of different areas depending on the pre-existing economic conditions of the region. For example, it must be recognised that smaller towns in England were able to take up more new trades, skills and crafts and employ immigrants in comparison to larger cities. Depending on the pre-plague economic structures in place there was great variation in whether the black death provided a stimulus for economic growth such as in East Anglia, or would alternatively lead to a period of prolonged depression as seen in arable regions of the Midlands. Therefore it could be concluded that whilst the plague had a short-term impact on the financial standing of many regions, it was the pre-exiting economic standing of a region which determined its outcome.
2. Plague and Economics, The Economist http://www.economist.com/node/346790. (7 October 2014).
3. Economic History - Plagued by Dear Labour, The Economist Newspaper. http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2013/10/economic-history-1. (7 October 2014) Undeniably, the plague also had a notable impact upon social and political outlooks, for as Cardinal F.
A. Gasquet stated, the surge of mortality among the working class invoked 'nothing less than a complete social revolution; to use a modern expression, labour began then to understand its value and assert its power.' [4] Labourers, peasants and servants alike attained more social mobility and bargaining power, and more employment opportunities opened up for women. Furthermore everyday people began wearing items of apparel which would have been deemed excessive for their social standing. Individuals also began to to revolt if they felt that their chances of self improvement were denied, as seen by the French Jacquerie and the English peasant revolts in 1381. As everyday people became more socially mobile, some historians such as Rosemary Horrox suggest that the feudal system effectively collapsed as societies respect for social hierarchy and order diminished [5]. Thus in this aspect it could be argued that the Black Plague helped to accelerate a trend in social and political …show more content…
evolution. On the other hand it could be argued that once more the pre-exiting political and societal structures played a pivotal role and produced divergent outcomes in different regions. Notably in Western Europe, the Black Death seemed to terminate serfdom, however in Eastern Europe, serfdom continued as an engrained social institution which was imposed even at times upon free peoples and in other areas serfdom seemed to wither away without any assistance from the plague whatsoever. [6]
4. Francis Aidan Gasquet, The Great Pestilence (A.D. 1348-9) (London, 1893), p. XVI
5. Rosemary Horrox, The Black Death (Manchester University Press, 1994), p. 229
6. Robert S. Gottfried, Black Death, (Simon and Schuster, New York, 2010) pp.120-140
It seems that institutions were keen to reverse any changes brought about by the Plague, preventing it from having a long-lasting impact upon society, exemplified when the English Parliament under King Edward III, decided to implement a series of ordinances, including the Statute of Labourers in 1351, which imposed a maximum wage to prevent labour mobility.
Legislation was also utilised through the Sumptory Law of 1363, in an attempt to regulate diet and apparel according to social status. To an extent it could be argued that the plague was a decisive moment through which people began attempts to attain greater rights and justice within the workplace, in turn perhaps foreshadowing the growth of modern day’s labour unions. However as the population replenished, a social hierarchy was re-established and pre-existing mechanisms of social and political order prevailed. Religious and cultural values were also affected by this horrifying disease. Some churches were left bereft of their priests, deserted by their people and it seemed that societies moral standards deteriorated as covetousness became typical. In other cases some people, particularly those suffering from the disease, sought for repentance, and were increasingly compelled to devote their remaining hours to exercise religious
virtues.
Some zealous penitents known as ‘flagellants’, believed the plague was a punishment from God for their sins and as a result they responded with religious punishments, inflicting injuries upon themselves with the aim of pacifying God’s wrath [7]. Hysteria ensued as the death toll rose, stressed by J. C. Hecker when he declared that, 'the mental shock sustained by all nations during the prevalence of the Black Plague' was 'without parallel and beyond description' [8].
7. J.F.C Hecker, The Black Death, and The Dancing Mania, (, London, 1888) pp. 44-61
8. Ibid., p.44
Such frenzy is evidenced by the pogrom inflicted upon Jews, who were accused of spreading the plagues by poisoning wells and streams. Once more it appears that the Black Death had an immediate impact, as circles of artists and craftsmen were depleted and funding for artistic innovation dwindled. Although it seems as if there was little irrational and instinctive responses to the plague as, for example, the pogroms against the Jews were generally undertaken after being sanctioned by local authorities. Once the initial gothic and apocalyptic horror of the plague diminished, extremist behaviour diminished and thus the plague only seemed to be a turning point in the short-term rather than a definitive long-term pivotal moment.
All in all, the Black Death was without doubt a turning point in history, which effected political, social, cultural and religious structures immensely. Although death toll figures vary greatly from J.C. Russell's’ argument of an estimated death rate in Britain of 23.6%, [9] to the exceptional high mortality rate of 62.5% as suggested by Benedictow [10] the repeated analysis of such figures may surely be seen as a testimony to the significance of this event. Although perhaps it is reasonable to contend that the plague is a limited turning point because once the population replenished to pre-plague levels, and the hysteria of this pandemic ceased, society, in most cases, returned to a moderate state, or if any changes did occur, they were more so a result of the pre-determined structures already established within that society.
9. Josiah Russell, British Medieval Population, (London, 1948) p.216
10. HistoryToday, The Black Death: The Greatest Catastrophe Ever http://www.historytoday.com/ole-j-benedictow/black-death-greatest-catastrophe-ever. (8 October 2014)
Word Count: 1508
The death of a significant proportion of Eurasia’s population due to a devastating pandemic is unquestionably a definitive moment in history. However perhaps it could be contended that, whilst this grim disease instigated cataclysmic change within society, the plague was primarily a short-term turning point as it only limitedly delivered some long-term or extensive alterations in history. Indeed in many cases it appears that the Black Death immediately affected the economy, political, cultural and social systems at the time, yet is limited as a long-term turning point because it merely catalysing the timing and speed of any long term changes. Some historians such as …show more content…
Professor Michael Postan suggest that whilst the plague reduced population levels until well into the fifteenth century, this slump, although exacerbated, originated earlier as a consequence of natural preventative ‘checks’ such as soil exhaustion which would lead to reduced crop yields [1]. Although not all of Postan’s views are met with acceptance, this interpretation raises the question of whether the Black Death was truly a momentous turning point or whether a reduction in population levels due to a negative population effect was already in progress, and thus any changes in society were inevitable and in progress, before the plague. Furthermore it seems that once the population replenished to pre-plague levels many of the historical changes observed were subverted and few long-term or extensive changes were felt. It would be inaccurate to disregard the momentous impact the Black Death had in the short-term. As the population decreased, a sustainable balance between demand and available resources was attained. It would appear that for those who survived, this horrifying disease enhanced their quality of life and had a positive impact.
1. Michael Postan,The Medieval Economy and Society: An Economic History of Britain, 1100-1500 (University of California Press,1973), pp. 27-39 The diminishing work force meant that production dramatically declined, wages increased inexorably and food prices fell as demand slumped. This transformation of Medieval economics was highlighted by many English chroniclers who detailed for example how livestock sold for a menial proportion of its original value [2]. Increased labour costs may also have promoted the development of labour-saving technologies, for as Professor James Belich highlights, experts developed new innovative mechanisms and changed farming and labour practises in the hope of lowering costs [3]. Such technologies included Gutenberg’s invention of moveable-type printing, nearly a century after the Black Plague, which replaced the labour intensive method which involved scribes copying manuscripts by hand. Therefore it is fair to assume that the plague had a prime impact upon the immediate economy. However it would appear inaccurate to state that the plague was the chief mover of economic change apparent as there are observable differences in the economic outcomes of different areas depending on the pre-existing economic conditions of the region. For example, it must be recognised that smaller towns in England were able to take up more new trades, skills and crafts and employ immigrants in comparison to larger cities. Depending on the pre-plague economic structures in place there was great variation in whether the black death provided a stimulus for economic growth such as in East Anglia, or would alternatively lead to a period of prolonged depression as seen in arable regions of the Midlands. Therefore it could be concluded that whilst the plague had a short-term impact on the financial standing of many regions, it was the pre-exiting economic standing of a region which determined its outcome.
2. Plague and Economics, The Economist http://www.economist.com/node/346790. (7 October 2014).
3. Economic History - Plagued by Dear Labour, The Economist Newspaper. http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2013/10/economic-history-1. (7 October 2014) Undeniably, the plague also had a notable impact upon social and political outlooks, for as Cardinal F.
A. Gasquet stated, the surge of mortality among the working class invoked 'nothing less than a complete social revolution; to use a modern expression, labour began then to understand its value and assert its power.' [4] Labourers, peasants and servants alike attained more social mobility and bargaining power, and more employment opportunities opened up for women. Furthermore everyday people began wearing items of apparel which would have been deemed excessive for their social standing. Individuals also began to to revolt if they felt that their chances of self improvement were denied, as seen by the French Jacquerie and the English peasant revolts in 1381. As everyday people became more socially mobile, some historians such as Rosemary Horrox suggest that the feudal system effectively collapsed as societies respect for social hierarchy and order diminished [5]. Thus in this aspect it could be argued that the Black Plague helped to accelerate a trend in social and political …show more content…
evolution. On the other hand it could be argued that once more the pre-exiting political and societal structures played a pivotal role and produced divergent outcomes in different regions. Notably in Western Europe, the Black Death seemed to terminate serfdom, however in Eastern Europe, serfdom continued as an engrained social institution which was imposed even at times upon free peoples and in other areas serfdom seemed to wither away without any assistance from the plague whatsoever. [6]
4. Francis Aidan Gasquet, The Great Pestilence (A.D. 1348-9) (London, 1893), p. XVI
5. Rosemary Horrox, The Black Death (Manchester University Press, 1994), p. 229
6. Robert S. Gottfried, Black Death, (Simon and Schuster, New York, 2010) pp.120-140
It seems that institutions were keen to reverse any changes brought about by the Plague, preventing it from having a long-lasting impact upon society, exemplified when the English Parliament under King Edward III, decided to implement a series of ordinances, including the Statute of Labourers in 1351, which imposed a maximum wage to prevent labour mobility.
Legislation was also utilised through the Sumptory Law of 1363, in an attempt to regulate diet and apparel according to social status. To an extent it could be argued that the plague was a decisive moment through which people began attempts to attain greater rights and justice within the workplace, in turn perhaps foreshadowing the growth of modern day’s labour unions. However as the population replenished, a social hierarchy was re-established and pre-existing mechanisms of social and political order prevailed. Religious and cultural values were also affected by this horrifying disease. Some churches were left bereft of their priests, deserted by their people and it seemed that societies moral standards deteriorated as covetousness became typical. In other cases some people, particularly those suffering from the disease, sought for repentance, and were increasingly compelled to devote their remaining hours to exercise religious
virtues.
Some zealous penitents known as ‘flagellants’, believed the plague was a punishment from God for their sins and as a result they responded with religious punishments, inflicting injuries upon themselves with the aim of pacifying God’s wrath [7]. Hysteria ensued as the death toll rose, stressed by J. C. Hecker when he declared that, 'the mental shock sustained by all nations during the prevalence of the Black Plague' was 'without parallel and beyond description' [8].
7. J.F.C Hecker, The Black Death, and The Dancing Mania, (, London, 1888) pp. 44-61
8. Ibid., p.44
Such frenzy is evidenced by the pogrom inflicted upon Jews, who were accused of spreading the plagues by poisoning wells and streams. Once more it appears that the Black Death had an immediate impact, as circles of artists and craftsmen were depleted and funding for artistic innovation dwindled. Although it seems as if there was little irrational and instinctive responses to the plague as, for example, the pogroms against the Jews were generally undertaken after being sanctioned by local authorities. Once the initial gothic and apocalyptic horror of the plague diminished, extremist behaviour diminished and thus the plague only seemed to be a turning point in the short-term rather than a definitive long-term pivotal moment.
All in all, the Black Death was without doubt a turning point in history, which effected political, social, cultural and religious structures immensely. Although death toll figures vary greatly from J.C. Russell's’ argument of an estimated death rate in Britain of 23.6%, [9] to the exceptional high mortality rate of 62.5% as suggested by Benedictow [10] the repeated analysis of such figures may surely be seen as a testimony to the significance of this event. Although perhaps it is reasonable to contend that the plague is a limited turning point because once the population replenished to pre-plague levels, and the hysteria of this pandemic ceased, society, in most cases, returned to a moderate state, or if any changes did occur, they were more so a result of the pre-determined structures already established within that society.
9. Josiah Russell, British Medieval Population, (London, 1948) p.216
10. HistoryToday, The Black Death: The Greatest Catastrophe Ever http://www.historytoday.com/ole-j-benedictow/black-death-greatest-catastrophe-ever. (8 October 2014)
Word Count: 1508