By Erin Reilly

What is the Black Death?The Black Death is the term used for the plague that devastated the world’s population in the 14th century. It began with the bacterium Yersinia Pestis in Central Asia. The bacterium was mainly carried by fleas living on black rats, but cats also spread the disease. Black rats carrying Yersinia Pestis were transmitted throughout Eurasia through international trade. The plague spread rapidly with the Pax Mongolia, when the Mongols made safe trade flourish. There are three variations of the Black Death, including the bubonic plague (30-75%), pneumonic plague (90-95%), and the septicemic plague (100%).

• Anthrax-same mortality rate in all seasons/locations-death in 3-4 days too quick-both begin with similar symptoms -eating chimpanzees led to AIDS?-excavation-found anthrax spores

• Jewish Conspiracy-forced to confess to spreading the plague (poisoning wells)-burnt the Jews

• 1/3 Europe’s population killed• 75 million globally• Sweden- pessimism, dread, futility• Tapestry industry flourished• Peasants’ Revolt of 1381

-demand for higher pay harsher laws-almost brought down government (Christian socialist regime)

• AIDS protection?-15% Caucasians completely immune

• Jewish/Christian tension• Decline of serfdom• Art

Economic Situation Mortality Rate

wealthy 25%

poor 40-50%

urban 40%

• Infectious disease #1 killer, 3rd in USA• US doctors not prepared for pandemic• Plague becomes immune to current antibiotics• Still rare cases of the plague and outbreaks of mad cow disease