Why the Europeans could not handle the Black plague?
Throughout history humankind has suffered from severe catastrophes that have been overcome, whether by reaching appropriate solutions or by a matter of luck. Among these calamitous events, the most harmful and grievous disease occurred in the 14th century. This disease, bubonic plague, was later called by the historians “the Black Death,” and was viewed as a fearful epidemic or “punishment—as Christians believed.” It spread across Europe, killing more than half of the European population, and changing dramatically the history of the world. This epidemic created panic, uncertainty, and hopelessness in the heart of every European inhabitant due to the inability of the authorities to handle …show more content…
The Black Death was seen as the wrath of God. As Rosemary Horrox in The Black Death points out, “All contemporary commentators were agreed that the plague was an act of God sent to punish mankind for its sinfulness and to frighten it into repentance and future behavior” (95). Europeans, having a sense of guilt, decided to look for God’s forgiveness by fasting, praying and going on pilgrimages. Horrox goes on to note, “the Pope declared a Jubilee Year, in which a pilgrims would earn a plenary indulgence” (96). Undoubtedly, those pilgrimages and processions were a breeding ground for the transmission of the disease for the bubonic plague—which was spread by respiratory infection—could easily infect other individuals in places with a huge concentration of people. As a result, Clement VI had to prohibit them. Furthermore, the common beliefs held by priests were that the plague might have been a blessing, and part of God’s plan. Wherefore, it was inevitable. On the other hand, most scientists preferred to believe in a pseudoscience called astrology that proposed that Mars and Saturn—superstitiously viewed as “evil” planets—with the benevolent planet Jupiter as primary catalysts for the disease. As a result, the air was supposedly infected by the location of these planets. Since scientists believed in this theory, cures and preventions had …show more content…
Aside from the death of the half of the population of Europe, the economic system was broken. People who still alive were terrified, and everything had to be done again. However, these losses were valuable lessons that teach humankind to be prepared for any calamity, prevent and act quickly. Also, the Black Death brought an important legacy such as, a new medical system where surgeries were improved, the perfume industry, the evolution of the modern clinic and hospitals, and so forth. As William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even not
Throughout history humankind has suffered from severe catastrophes that have been overcome, whether by reaching appropriate solutions or by a matter of luck. Among these calamitous events, the most harmful and grievous disease occurred in the 14th century. This disease, bubonic plague, was later called by the historians “the Black Death,” and was viewed as a fearful epidemic or “punishment—as Christians believed.” It spread across Europe, killing more than half of the European population, and changing dramatically the history of the world. This epidemic created panic, uncertainty, and hopelessness in the heart of every European inhabitant due to the inability of the authorities to handle …show more content…
The Black Death was seen as the wrath of God. As Rosemary Horrox in The Black Death points out, “All contemporary commentators were agreed that the plague was an act of God sent to punish mankind for its sinfulness and to frighten it into repentance and future behavior” (95). Europeans, having a sense of guilt, decided to look for God’s forgiveness by fasting, praying and going on pilgrimages. Horrox goes on to note, “the Pope declared a Jubilee Year, in which a pilgrims would earn a plenary indulgence” (96). Undoubtedly, those pilgrimages and processions were a breeding ground for the transmission of the disease for the bubonic plague—which was spread by respiratory infection—could easily infect other individuals in places with a huge concentration of people. As a result, Clement VI had to prohibit them. Furthermore, the common beliefs held by priests were that the plague might have been a blessing, and part of God’s plan. Wherefore, it was inevitable. On the other hand, most scientists preferred to believe in a pseudoscience called astrology that proposed that Mars and Saturn—superstitiously viewed as “evil” planets—with the benevolent planet Jupiter as primary catalysts for the disease. As a result, the air was supposedly infected by the location of these planets. Since scientists believed in this theory, cures and preventions had …show more content…
Aside from the death of the half of the population of Europe, the economic system was broken. People who still alive were terrified, and everything had to be done again. However, these losses were valuable lessons that teach humankind to be prepared for any calamity, prevent and act quickly. Also, the Black Death brought an important legacy such as, a new medical system where surgeries were improved, the perfume industry, the evolution of the modern clinic and hospitals, and so forth. As William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even not