2. Natural Disaster The Black Death was one of the worst natural disasters in history. In 1347, a great plague swept over Europe and ravaged cities, causing wide-spread hysteria and death.
3. The Culprit The cause of the widespread disaster was the oriental rat flea. It carried the deadly bacteria called yersiniapestis.
4. The Church One of the groups that suffered the most was the Christian Church. It lost prestige, spiritual authority, and leadership over the people. People wanted answers, but the priests and bishops could not provide them.
5. Quotes Neither physicians nor medicine were effective in treating the black death. Whether because these illnesses were previously unknown or because physicians had never studied them.
6. Transmitted 1) Fleas drink rat blood that carries bacteria. 2) Bacteria multiply in the flea’s stomach. 3) The stomach is clogged with bacteria. 4) Flea bites the human and regurgitates blood into the open wound. 5) Human is infected.
7. Effects on Europe The Black Death killed off a massive portion of Europe’s population. The plague is more effective when attacks weaker people. By 1352, over 25 million were confirmed dead.
