Do now Where did you learn to wash your hands? When should you wash your hands? Why do you wash your hands at those times?
Bubonic Plague Ms. Baquedano
What was it? Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, violent coughing and sneezing, and lumps called buboes. Also called “The Black Death” due to the black lumps on skin
When? Started in 1346 Came back every decade (10 years) until the 15th century (1400’s)
Where? Presumed to have begun in Central Asia Disease traveled along the silk road to Europe Carried to Italy by ship
How? Merchants traveling in close proximity spread germs quickly Living conditions in medieval homes (dark, damp, dirty) contributed to the spread Fleas could spread it by blood, rats infested towns (think how close homes were) Streets were filled with trash, human waste, or dead animals
Why did it get so bad? Medieval doctors did not exist, or were poorly trained Due to Christian beliefs, people were not allowed to do research on human bodies Dirty conditions made disease spread Superstition and prejudice also played a part…
Jews and the plague Because no one knew how the sickness spread, society blamed Jews Many said the Jews were cursing Christians and said they were evil
Impact ½ of China’s population died 24 million Europeans died – 1/3 of the population So many died, there was no labor force to keep feudalism going (remember, the biggest group of people was the lowest – peasants) The few workers left could demand more money and rights