2.  In the Early 1100’s the population of Europe Grew Rapidly.  Many peasants fled to the city in hopes of freedom.  Cities became overcrowded, disgusting, and dirty. ▪ What are some potential problems with the cities becoming overpopulated?

3.  Lets see what happens to a city that has become over populated:  Time Period: 1300’s  Location: Towns throughout Europe

4. Horrific Disease Terrorizes Europe

5.  Historians think that the bubonic plague (deadly disease) arrived in Europe during the summer of 1348.  The Plague began in Asia and travelled to Europe  Once the Plague hit it quickly spread throughout all of Europe.

6.  The Bubonic plague took about 4 years to reach almost every corner of Europe.  Approximately ¾ of all those infected died.  Frightened people looked around for a scapegoat.  As a result the Jews were blamed  It was thought that Jews poisoned the wells.  Jews were persecuted and driven from their homes and even murdered.

7.  In all reality no one was to blame and no one knew the real cause of the deadly disease.  However, before all was said and done 25 Million Europeans and many more millions in Asia and North Africa had died.

9. The question that you are probably thinking is this; Q: Who or what caused the Black Death? A: This is your answer! The Oriental Rat Flea!

11.  This disease was spread by fleas which lived on the black rat. The fleas sucked the rat’s blood which contained the plague germs. When the rat died the fleas jumped on to humans and passed on the deadly disease.

13.  On your notes answer the following questions:  If a disease such as the plague were to occur today, how would your life be impacted?  What precautions might you take to avoid catching the disease?