The Black Death 1348 (1250-1500) Flashcards

Edexcel 1HI0 GCSE History

The Black Death (1348–49)

A devastating plague that killed around 30-45% of the population in England. It included bubonic and pneumonic forms.

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The Black Death (1348–49)

A devastating plague that killed around 30-45% of the population in England. It included bubonic and pneumonic forms.

Causes of the Black Death (medieval beliefs)

Believed to be caused by miasma (bad air), imbalance of the humours, astrology, and punishment from God.

Symptoms of the Black Death

Buboes (swollen lymph nodes), fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhoea, and black spots on the skin.

Treatments for the Black Death

Included bloodletting, purging, using herbs, praying, and flagellation. Many treatments were ineffective.

Impact of the Black Death

Led to a significant population decline, labour shortages, social unrest, and changes in attitudes towards medicine and religion.

Spread of the Black Death

Spread through fleas on rats, poor sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions. Pneumonic plague spread through coughing.

Religious responses to the Black Death

People believed it was a punishment from God and turned to prayer, fasting, and flagellation to seek forgiveness.

Long-term effects of the Black Death

Weakened feudal system, increased wages for workers, and greater questioning of traditional medical and religious ideas.

Economic impact of the Black Death

Trade declined, food prices rose, and labour shortages led to higher wages for workers.

Government response to the Black Death

Introduced quarantine measures and laws to control wages, such as the Statute of Labourers in 1351.

Social changes after the Black Death

Weakened feudal system, increased social mobility, and greater questioning of authority and traditional beliefs.

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