How Did The Black Plague Dbq

DBQ Essay From the late medieval era to the enlightenment a series of plagues devastated European society, economy, and social/political structure. In the Middle Ages, the Black Plague (or Death) was a pandemic that killed nearly 2/3 of the population in Europe, and lead to the downfall of the feudal system. The groups that benefited the most from the changes caused by the Black Death were peasants and laborers reaction toward the calamity ranged from rational and proactive to irrational, egoistic, and even criminal. Over all, the human devastation revealed a growth over time in government role and the role of the educated class in serving society, while uncovering a persistent criticism of the upper classes and the common people. The Black Death affected the
These were the people who saw demand for their services grow more than any others. Before the Black Death, Europe was overpopulated. There was a huge amount of labor available so peasants and laborers had no leverage. They had to remain passive and obedient because they could always be replaced. After the Black Death, the demand for their labor was greater than its supply. This meant that these groups had power. They could force employers and landholders to pay them better wages and/or give them better terms. This enabled them to rise up the social and economic ladder. In addition, there was a group called the flagellants. During the Black Death, the flagellants used to be people who stripped to the waist, gathered in large groups and bands and marched throughout the crossroads and squares of cities and good towns. They made circles and beat upon their backs with fabric and leather. They did so in loud voices and singing hymns suitable to their rite and newly composed for it. For a month they marched through many towns doing self-punishment and affording a great scene to the wondering