Question 1: When did the Black Death arrive in England?

Answer: 1348

Question 2: Which disease caused the Black Death?

Answer: Bubonic plague

Question 3: Name one key symptom of the Black Death.

Answer: Swollen lymph nodes (buboes)

Question 4: Approximately what percentage of Europe's population died during the Black Death?

Answer: 30-60%

Question 5: Who was the king of England during the Black Death?

Answer: King Edward III

Question 1: Source: A medieval town crier's notice warning about the Black Death: 'Beware the deadly pestilence, which spreads quickly and causes death.' What is the purpose of this source?

Answer: To warn the townspeople about the Black Death and encourage precautions.

Question 2: How might the audience of this notice have reacted to it?

Answer: They would have been frightened and likely taken measures to avoid infection.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What are its strengths and limitations?

Answer: Strengths: contemporary, direct warning; Limitations: may exaggerate dangers or be biased to alarm.

Question 4: Source: A 14th-century chronicler's account describing the plague's devastation: 'The streets were filled with corpses, and the stench was unbearable.' What does this source tell us about the impact of the Black Death?

Answer: It shows the severity of the death toll and the terrible conditions in towns affected by the plague.

Question 1: Explain why the Black Death spread so rapidly across Europe.

Answer: It spread quickly due to crowded urban areas, poor sanitation, rat populations carrying fleas, and trade routes facilitating movement.

Question 2: Describe how medieval society responded to the Black Death.

Answer: Responses included religious processions, prayers, flagellants, quarantine measures, and some social panic or scapegoating.

Question 3: Explain the long-term effects of the Black Death on medieval Europe.

Answer: It led to social and economic changes, such as labor shortages, higher wages for workers, decline of feudalism, and increased persecution of minorities.

Question 1: To what extent was the Black Death a turning point in medieval European history?

Answer: The Black Death was a major turning point because it caused widespread death, led to social upheaval, changed economic structures, and challenged religious beliefs. However, some aspects of medieval society persisted, so its impact was profound but not entirely revolutionary.

Question 2: How far do you agree that fear and religion shaped medieval responses to the Black Death?

Answer: Fear prompted many to seek religious salvation, as seen in processions and flagellants, but religion also provided explanations and comfort. Nevertheless, some responses, like scapegoating minorities, were driven by social factors. Overall, both fear and religion played significant roles.