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How Did The Black Plague Affect Society

Decent Essays

The Black Plague was the worst pandemic in history, wiping out nearly a third of the population of Europe during the 13th century, but it can also be considered a turning point of history. The Black Plague caused a ripple effect that had a hand in the change of societal construct, religion, the arts, and medicine.
Societal Hierarchy
During the High Middle Ages, Feudalism and the Societal Hierarchy was the social construct of the land. In that time period only 10% of peasants were actually free men, the rest were under the social class of serfs. Europe was becoming overpopulated due to periods of peace and prosperity, making it incredibly convenient for cheap labor. Working for the lords of the land, Serfs were very much close to slaves, but this all changed during the 1350s. The population began to decline due to mass starvation caused by poor harvest, throughout parts of Europe. Increased warfare also contributed to decline in population, such as Hundred Years’ War. Perhaps the most detrimental of all this is, the black plague, which began to wreak havoc in Europe around 1348. The Black Plague, “Black Death”, was a disease that civilization had no answer to. The massive deaths of the population caused the feudal lords to face severe labor shortages, …show more content…

Most concoctions that were given were just remedies to relieve symptoms as there is no cure -- even to this day. “Headaches were relieved by rose, lavender, sage and bay. Sickness or nausea was treated with wormwood, mint, and balm. Lung problems were treated with liquorice and comfrey. Vinegar was used as a cleansing agent as it was believed that it would kill disease.” The shortcomings of medical science were highlighted by the Black Plague, it caused people to change their focus. People became aware of the need of surgeons and focus on human bodies different various states of sickness and

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