The Black Death

Authors Note- This is a research piece about the Black Death Plague. It was a deadly disease that wiped out a lot of Europe's population in the 1340-1350's.

Imagine doing everything you can to hide from a merciless killer, but as hard as you try you know you are as defenseless as a deer in headlights. Your fears only increase as you watch it wipeout entire families and even villages. This situation is similar to Europe in the 1340-1350’s when the Black Death Plague went on its deathly rampage (The Black Death 1347-1351). This disease was caused from rodents and soon, after starting in China, broke out and spread all across Europe killing one thirds of its population (The Black Death 1347-1351). The Black Death Plague was an awful disease that affected the entire country of Europe.  

One of the major impact’s caused by the Black Death Plague was towards Europe’s society. After many of the people died, their personal belongings and estates were either given to family members, or pawned off for money (Black Death ). Plus, since so many people lost their lives, this opened up many different kinds of job and labor opportunities for the survivors (Black Death ). People who used to be without money and food, got the chance to start a career and make a living. Even though this disease had a negative effect on its human victims, it bettered the standard of living for the remaining citizens in Europe.

Although the Black Death Plague had a positive impact on Europe’s economy, it was the opposite for Europe’s art and culture. People who used to portray images of thriving villages and families, soon began to only focus on death and darkness (The Black Death 1347-1351). Also, the literature in Europe took a depressing turn and many of the statements from that time period reflected all the sadness that was occurring. Quotes like “Many people died in the open street, others dying in their houses, made it known by the stench of their rotting bodies.(Giovanni Boccaccio)” were recorded and can be used to describe that time in history and just how much it impacted Europe’s culture.

Along with Europe’s economy and culture, the religious beliefs changed dramatically during the time of this disease. Back in Europe during the 1300’s to most people, religion was not only a belief but a lifestyle (Black Death ). People rarely questioned their religious beliefs, but when lots of people started dying, questions arose of not only God’s powers, but also his existence. Some of the people who tried to stay loyal to God even began hurting themselves to try to sacrifice or make up for the world’s sins (The Black Death 1347-1351). The Black Death Plague forced people to rethink their beliefs and even their lifestyles.

Not only did the Black Death Plague change people’s religious beliefs, but also impacted the culture and society that made up the country of Europe. During that time millions of people died, leaving scared and heartbroken family and friends that couldn’t help but wonder if they were next. The Black Death Plague was truly one of the most severe epidemic’s in human history (The Black Death 1347-1351).