Historian A: John H. Morgan – Economic Perspective

"Historian John H. Morgan argues that economic factors played a crucial role in the spread of the Black Death. He suggests that trade routes, particularly those connected to the Silk Road and Mediterranean ports, facilitated the rapid movement of infected rats and fleas across Europe. Morgan emphasizes the importance of economic interconnectedness and commerce in explaining the pandemic's swift expansion. He also points out that economic hardship and crowded urban centers created ideal conditions for the disease to spread quickly. Overall, Morgan believes that economic interactions significantly contributed to the Black Death's devastating impact."

Historian B: Emily Carter – Social Perspective

"Historian Emily Carter contends that social conditions, such as poor sanitation, overcrowding, and lack of medical knowledge, were the primary causes of the Black Death. She argues that these factors created a perfect environment for the disease to thrive in medieval towns and villages. Carter highlights that people’s beliefs, including the blame placed on minority groups and religious explanations, affected how society responded to the outbreak. She emphasizes that social weaknesses and human behaviors were central in facilitating the spread and impact of the plague, rather than economic factors alone."

Questions:

1. Summarize each historian's view on the causes of the Black Death. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for clear summaries of both perspectives, mentioning key points of each historian’s argument.
• Model answer: Historian A believes economic factors, especially trade and commerce, facilitated the spread of the Black Death, while Historian B argues that social conditions like poor sanitation and societal behaviors were the main causes.

2. Explain why these two historians' views differ about the causes of the Black Death. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for mention of different perspectives (economic vs social), and reasoning behind their focus.
• Model answer: The historians differ because Morgan focuses on the role of trade and economic links in spreading the disease, whereas Carter emphasizes social factors such as sanitation and human behaviors that created environments conducive to the spread.

3. Compare the strengths of each historian’s argument. (6 marks)

• Marking: Look for analysis of evidence, logic, and historical context supporting each view.
• Model answer: Morgan’s argument is strong because trade routes are well-documented pathways for disease spread, making his economic perspective convincing. Carter’s focus on social conditions is also compelling as it explains how societal weaknesses contributed to the pandemic, supported by evidence of poor sanitation and overcrowding in medieval towns.

4. Evaluate which historian's interpretation is more convincing and justify your choice. (8 marks)

• Marking: Look for critical evaluation, weighing evidence, and reasoned judgment.
• Model answer: I find Emily Carter’s social perspective more convincing because social conditions directly affected how easily the disease spread and how society responded. While trade routes facilitated movement, the living conditions and societal behaviors created the environment where the disease could flourish, making her interpretation more comprehensive.

5. Outline how trade routes may have contributed to the spread of the Black Death. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for understanding of trade routes as pathways for disease transmission.
• Model answer: Trade routes, especially those connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, allowed infected rats and fleas to travel long distances quickly, spreading the plague across regions and increasing its impact.

6. Describe how social conditions in medieval towns could have helped the Black Death to spread more rapidly. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for mention of poor sanitation, overcrowding, and lack of medical knowledge.
• Model answer: Poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited medical understanding created ideal environments for the disease to spread rapidly among populations living in close quarters.

7. Compare the focus of Morgan’s and Carter’s explanations for the Black Death. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for recognition that Morgan emphasizes economic factors while Carter emphasizes social factors.
• Model answer: Morgan focuses on economic trade routes and commerce as the main causes, whereas Carter emphasizes social conditions like sanitation and societal behaviors as the primary factors.

8. Outline the importance of understanding different interpretations when studying history. (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for recognition that multiple perspectives provide a fuller understanding of historical events.
• Model answer: Understanding different interpretations allows us to see the complexity of historical events and avoid oversimplification, leading to a more balanced and nuanced view.

9. Why is it important to compare different historians’ views when studying the causes of the Black Death? (4 marks)

• Marking: Look for understanding that comparing views reveals different causes and explanations, enriching knowledge.
• Model answer: Comparing different historians' views helps us understand that the Black Death was caused by multiple factors, and considering various perspectives leads to a more comprehensive understanding.

10. In your opinion, which perspective (economic or social) better explains the spread of the Black Death? Explain your reasoning. (8 marks)

• Marking: Look for a reasoned argument supported by evidence and understanding of both perspectives.
• Model answer: I believe the social perspective better explains the spread of the Black Death because poor sanitation and crowded living conditions directly facilitated the disease’s transmission. While trade routes were important, the environment created by social conditions made populations more vulnerable, making Carter’s view more convincing overall.