Why Did The Spread Of The Black Plague

The Black Plague was one of the worst pandemics of Europe affecting one-third of the population. Caused by the bacillus Yersinia Pestis, the epidemic was carried through fleas and rats that accompanied Genoese ships. The first known outbreak in Europe started in 1346 and swept from the Mongol Empire to southern France and Spain. Street conditions and warm weather were ideal for the spread and made people more susceptible to the disease. Many physicians tried to come up with ways to prevent the disease but were unsuccessful in finding a cure. Priests, monks, and nuns cared for the sick and helped bury the dead. Others fled to the countryside in hopes of escaping the disease. The Black Plague had many consequences including inflation, social unrest, and a shift in religion.
Inflation was a big impact brought on by the Black Plague. High mortality rates resulted in a fall in production, shortage of goods, and a rise in prices. Many labor shortages were brought on, and workers started to demand better wages. Because of these labor shortages, others could enjoy a higher standard of living. This also meant that peasants living in rural areas had greater mobility. In addition to production inflation, the population became larger and was no longer supported by agricultural technology. The dramatic drop in population afterward allowed less
Panic set in, which lead to riots and revolts. People tried to “clean the air” from the disease by ringing church bells or firing canons. Because no cure had been discovered, people tried to create their own remedies. Medicine, made from plants with bumpy or oozed liquid, was made to try to keep the plague away. Literature and art from the time showed that people were concerned with the idea of death. They panicked and were worried of loosing people close to them. People all over were eager to find a cure and put a stop to the Black