The Black Death: How The Plague Changed The World

The plague of 1348 also known as the “Black Death”, was an epidemic that changed the world. It got its name from the black spots it would give people. The Black Death was the most devastating pandemic in all of human history killing millions, but it wasn't the deadliest of all plagues. What made it so lethal was how easily it was transmitted by fleas and threw airborne droplets of saliva from coughs of the infected(“Social and Economics Effects of the Plague.”). The plague affected manly countries in europe and asia. But one of the more interesting was how the plague had a great influences the Religion, Society/Workforce and Economy of England. During the plague religion was impacted greatly. With so many dying so quickly, many would die without …show more content…
Many would question their faith because not even their faith would save them from the plague. So many to matters into their own hands and would self mutilation through whipping in hope god would save them from the plague, other would blame the Jews for the plague since Jews were often merchants, and the plague came from infected rats on merchant ships(”Cultural Effects of The Black Plague.”), but not only were jews accused for the Plague but lepers,witchcraft and sorcery were accused.. Thousands of people Jews and blasphemers were executed in the late 1340’s. By the end of the plague around 40% of England's clergy perished during the years of the plague(Miller), most of the priest who had died were replaced by under qualified priest which made the power/influence of the church decline quicker(Ross). England workforce, and society were also greatly affected by the plague. Before the plague England was over populated which was very bad for the peasant class because work for them was scarce, but for the rich was great because workers were easy to come