HIST 2220 Lecture 20: Famine, the Black Death, and the Demographic Crisis
20 Jan 2017
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Famine, the black death, and the demographic crisis: In 1300, europe is really overpopulated: resources are stretched thin and further growth is unsustainable. By 1450, there are 2/3 fewer people in europe: 1420-50 is the lowest point in the population decline. Worst famine in the history of europe. Caused by the weather changing: worst years are 1315-17, extremely cold and wet, endless downpours. 150 straight days of rain one year: rain followed by severe winters. Reduction of grain crops by 50% or more. The animals are struck by diseases: hoofs are rotting from standing in the wet all day. Result is 5-10% mortality: higher rates among the old, young, poor, and those living in the cities. 50% die from 1347-1350 in the first wave. Black death dubbed from the black buboes of the illness. Moved through europe rapidly and was deadly. Carried to italy on ships in the winter of 47-48 and moved north.
