Name ______________________________________________ Core __________________ Date ________________________
Unit 9- The Black Death Study Guide
Overview
 The Black Death Spread Quickly- Plagues, infectious diseases that spread among a large population of
people, were not uncommon in the Middle Ages. Once rooted in Europe, the Black Death spread quickly and
efficiently through the population.
 The Black Death Changed Europe and Asia- The Black Death ravaged Europe and Asia, leading to
economic, political, and social changes.
Key Points:
1. The plague came to Europe and the Middle East from China through trade routes.
2. Fleas and infected rats spread the disease throughout the city and countryside.
3. Certain hygienic practices helped the bubonic plague spread quickly.
4. The depopulation of Europe led to a labor shortage.
5. Because workers were in greater demand, they began to receive higher wages.
6. An increase in wages led to inflated prices for everyday goods.
7. Landowners were forced to pay wages to keep their tenants leading to an increase in wealth in the peasant
class.
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:

Plague- ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Black Death- _______________________________________________________________________________
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Flagellants- ________________________________________________________________________________
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Reading Guide:
1. What was the origin of the bubonic plague? ________________________________________________________
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2. Explain how the Black Death spread through Europe. ________________________________________________
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3. What social changes resulted from the Black Death? _________________________________________________
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4. How did a reduction in population affect European politics? __________________________________________
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Name ___________________________________________________ Core _________________ Date ____________________
Vocabulary Organizer
Key Term
Illustrate
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Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence