History 7. Medieval England (The Black Plague)

The Black Death (Plague): Causes, Events and Consequences – Revision PointsWhat Was the Black Death?The Black Death was a deadly disease that hit England in 1348.It killed around one third of the population—millions of people across Europe and Asia.What Caused It?The disease was likely a mix of bubonic plague (spread by fleas on rats) and pneumonic plague (spread through coughs).People didn’t understand germs, so many believed it was a punishment from God, bad air, or caused by planets.What Were the Symptoms?Painful swellings (called buboes), high fever, sickness, and death within a few days.It spread very fast, especially in towns and cities.How Did People React?People were terrified—whole families died in days.Some ran away, others prayed, and some blamed minority groups, like Jews, unfairly.Doctors didn’t know how to cure it. They wore strange beak-shaped masks full of herbs.What Happened in Society?So many people died that farms and towns didn’t have enough workers.Bodies were buried in mass graves because there were too many to bury normally.Short-Term ConsequencesFood prices rose and villages were abandoned.People became more religious, hoping to avoid God's punishment.The plague returned in waves for hundreds of years.Long-Term ConsequencesFewer workers meant peasants could demand better wages.The feudal system began to weaken—lords couldn’t boss people around as easily.Some say it helped lead to the end of the Middle Ages.What We Learn About the TimeMedicine and science were not advanced—people relied on belief, superstition, and guesses.The Church didn’t have answers, so some people began to question its power.Key Figures and EventsNo one person could stop the plague, but it changed how kings and lords treated people.Some towns tried to shut gates or stop travel to avoid it.ConclusionThe Black Death caused huge suffering, but it also changed society.It made people think differently about life, death, work, and power.Would you like me to move on to the next and final topic from the photo: “The Peasants’ Revolt: causes, events and consequences”?