The Black Death

What years were the plague worst in Europe?

1347-1353

Approximately what percentage of Europeans died from the plague?

50%

How did the plague spread?

Fleas on rats spread the disease. As trade increased along the Silk Road, and across Europe, rats from Asia helped spread the disease quickly.

What direction did the disease move across Europe?

From south, along the Mediterranean, to the north.

Where did the plague start?

It probably began in central Asia. If first appeared in Europe at the city of Caffa along the Black Sea.

How did the plague change food production?

Less people meant less demand for food, which caused food prices to drop, making food more affordable for those who survived.

How did the plague help end feudalism?

Lords/nobles had to pay workers more (since there were less of them). Nobles also couldn't charge as much rent for land, and were looking for ways to get more money. Some serfs were allowed to rent land, which meant they were no longer serfs. All this weakened the feudal system and helped lead to its end.

What effect did the plague have on trade?

With fewer workers to produce goods, and less people to buy goods, trade decreased.