Black Plague

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the causes and effects of the Black Plague or the Black Death, as it was known to Europeans (or formerly known as the Bubonic Plague). It describes the nature of the Black Plague and its effects on individuals and communities. The paper then discusses how the Black Plague contributed to the end of feudalism in Europe.

From the Paper:

"Europeans in the middle ages tended to be superstitious in their religious beliefs. As they searched for something or someone to blame for the wrath of the plague, all of their praying and blind faith did not protect them from being infected. Comets, earthquakes, astrological configurations and the sin of humankind were all examined as possible causes. Interestingly, as Christians watched as their cardinals, bishops, priests and other clergy fall dead, just as vulnerable as anyone else, the religious strength of the feudal structure began to decline, as well. It is thought that these events may have ignited the Protestant Reformation (Uretsky)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Funk & Wagnalls(r) New Encyclopedia. 2006 World Almanac Education Group History.com
• Kelly, John the Great Mortality Harper Collins, New York: 2005.
• Middle-ages.org. www.middle-ages.org.uk/decline-of-feudalism.htm
• Nohl , Johannes The Black Death, A chronicle of the Plauge Compiled from Contemporary sources, Unwin Books, London: 1926.
• Ucalgary.com "The end of Europe's middle ages" Feudal Institutions. www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/endmiddle/feudal.html

More papers on Black Plague:

• Research Paper # 102450 : "The Black Plague"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 128344 : "The Black Plague"
• Analytical Essay # 132317 : "Looking Back at the Black Plague"

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