1. The Plague struck 14th century Europe
The Black Death
The Plague struck 14th century Europe

2. Preconditions and Causes
Decades of overpopulation, economic depression, famine and bad health weakened Europe’s population
The plague struck full force in 1348
Discolored the body

3. Preconditions and Causes
Followed the trade routes from Asia into Europe
Rates and fleas are the most likely culprit
Began in Italy and spread through Spain, Southern France and Northern Europe

4. Popular Remedies Physicians had little understanding of how it spread
To them, it was a catastrophe with no explanation and against which there was no defense

5. Popular Remedies
Some sough a remedy in moderation and a temperate life
Others gave themselves over entirely to their passions
Others chose flight and seclusion as the best medicine

6. Popular Remedies
One extreme reaction was the procession of flagellants (religions fanatics)
The terror created by the flagellants became so disruptive and threatening that the church outlawed such processions
In some places, Jews were cast as scapegoats

7. Social and Economic Consequences
Farms declined
Peasants revolt
Cities rebound
The Church as a landholder was weakened
The Church received new revenues because of the plague

8. Social and Economic Consequences
The plague contributed to new conflicts within the cities
Economic and political power of local artisans and trade guilds grew steadily
As guilds won power, they encouraged restriction legislation to protect local industries

9. Social and Economic Consequences
The landed nobility and church were put on the defensive as kings centralize their government and economies
The plague killed many members of the clergy and this reduction occurs in the same century as the move to Avignon and the Schism