15.5 The Late Middle Ages

The Black Death A plague is a disease that spreads quickly and kills many people. Scientists believe that it was a bubonic plague –a disease caused by a type of bacteria carried by fleas. Fleas infested black rats, and during this time, black rats were everywhere. It is believed that the Black Death began in the Gobi Desert—in Central Asia. It is believed that the Mongols spread it as they traveled along the Silk Road. The disease erupted in China in the 1300’s and killed more than 40-60 million people.

Death comes to Europe… During an attack on the city of Caffa, which is located on the Black Sea, the Mongols in an attempt to take control of the city, catapulted the dead bodies of plague victims over the city walls. People in Caffa were infected with the plague and then they went home and carried the plague in their blood streams and what’s worse…they carried infected fleas on the bodies of rats on their ships…

 The bubonic and septicemic plague were transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. Fleas, humans, and rats served as hosts for the disease. The bacteria multiplied inside the flea blocking the flea's stomach causing it to be very hungry. The flea would then start voraciously biting a host. Since the feeding tube to the stomach was blocked , the flea was unable to satisfy its hunger. As a result, it continued to feed in a frenzy. During the feeding process, infected blood carrying the plague bacteria, flowed into the human's wound. The plague bacteria now had a new host. The flea soon starved to death.

The bubonic plague was the most commonly seen form of the Black Death. The mortality rate was 30-75%. The symptoms were enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes (around arm pits, neck and groin). The term 'bubonic' refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymphatic gland. Victims were subject to headaches, nausea, aching joints, fever of 101-105 degrees, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. Symptoms took from 1-7 days to appear.

The plague changed everything! Boccaccio said that the victims, "ate lunch with their friend and dinner with their ancestors in paradise." The plague changed everything! The economy was turned upside down as trade declined and wages rose because of a shortage in workers. There was less people and less demand for food and food prices fell. Landlords had to pay workers more and charge less. Peasants began to bargain with their lords to pay rent instead of owing services. Helped to end the feudal system

The effects The church lost prestige as it promised a cure from the plague and it did not come. It also claimed that it was God’s will but people were unsure of why they were being punished. Families abandoned families…fathers left wives and children and mothers left their children in fear. Approximately 38 million people died—nearly one out of every two people died of the Black death between the Black Death between 1347 and 1351.

Art Art became centered on death Also community life all but dried up. Women held bouquets of flowers to their noses, to mask the smell of death. Children watched, incorporating what they say into new games. The chant of one of the those games is still heard today. Ring around the rosy A pocketful of posies "Ashes, Ashes" We all fall down! Ring-a-Ring o'Rosies A Pocket full of Posies "A-tishoo! A-tishoo!" We all fall Down!

A Troubled Continent The French and the English both claimed the right to rule Normandy, the English were there and the French kings wanted to drive the English out. This began the 100 Year’s War! This means that there were battles followed by periods of peace during this time.

The first major battle was at Crecy after Edward of England invaded France. During this battle English archers defeated the French army and forced the French king to give up some of his kingdom.

Joan of Arc A French peasant girl had a dream that God wanted her to save France. She went to the king of France—Charles. He allowed her to go with the army to Orleans, he faith stirred the soldiers and they took the city. Joan dressed as a man and fought in the battle. She was later captured by the English, tried for heresy at the Inquisition and burned at the stake.

Effects of the 100 Years War Civil War 1455-1487 War of the Roses broke out in England, this was a battle over who should be king of England. 6 different kings during this time. Three died very violent deaths The Yorks & Lancasters Each used a colored rose to symbolize their family Henry Tudor a Lancaster invaded Wales, fought a battle, won and became king. First Tudor king in England…he became Henry VII. His son was the infamous Henry VIII.