The Bubonic Plague in Europe
Learning Objective
I can analyze the impact of the bubonic plague on European society.
Key Concepts
The Black Death, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, killed nearly 50% of Europeans in just four years during the 14th century.
Genetic comparisons of ancient to modern strains of Yersinia pestis suggest that the key to the Black Death's high mortality rate lies not in the parasite, but in the host's vulnerability due to factors like malnutrition and poor health.
The Black Death led to higher living standards, increased social mobility, and a population with a different gene pool, including genes that may have helped survivors resist the disease.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What bacterium caused the bubonic plague?
2. Approximately what percentage of the European population died during the Black Death?
3. How did the Black Death likely spread so rapidly in medieval Europe, according to the video?
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
The past, present, and future of the bubonic plague - Sharon N. DeWitte
TED-Ed