The Bubonic Plague: Fourteenth Century

The Bubonic Plague was arguably the most devastating epidemic of the mid-fourteenth century, sweeping across Europe and wiping out one-third of the population. This epidemic was detrimental to schools, businesses, and families all across Europe. This also transformed into a time when God became ever present in the lives of those struck with fear of this mysterious, pestilent affliction. Surprisingly enough, even though the majority of people had procured this spiritual-mindedness, there were still some who would go to great lengths to protect themselves.

Schools’ attendance was greatly affected by the Black Plague. “You asked how my school is doing. It is full again but the plague, which killed twenty of the boys, drove many others away and doubtless kept others from coming to us at all” as quoted by a schoolmaster at Deventer, located in the Netherlands. As stated in his letter, written in 1484, the Plague claimed the lives of students and families everywhere. This prevented prospective students from coming at all, for fear of catching The Plague from the packed classrooms. This was a time when hygiene wasn’t recognized as a particularly important act of daily life. Essentially, people tried to keep themselves from situations in which they could become sick themselves. Wherever the plague went, death …show more content…
The Plague destroyed the relationship between manufacturer and merchant, and in turn the relationships between merchants and