9/13/09
AP Assignment Number 2
3) The arrival of the Fourteenth Century brought tremendous and nearly inconceivable plague and famine. A gradual change in weather resulted in poor agricultural production, whose ultimate consequence was inadequate amounts of food for the people. Additionally, at this time in European history (late 13th, early 14th century) there had been a spike in population, so much so that Europe could not approach meeting people’s needs. Many people of this time moved from rural areas to urban cities in search of economic opportunity. Unfortunately, even in the cities economic opportunity was scarce and elusive resulting in vast penury. While many effects existed as a result of the famine, perhaps most paramount amongst them was plague. As previously mentioned, agricultural production was at record lows, and often, food scarcity is followed by malnutrition, which is then followed by disease. The Black Death as it would later be called, spread like wildfire throughout Europe sparing no one in its rancorous path. People, based on innate exigency, needed to find the source of the plague. Some groups such as the flagellant people believed G-d had sent the plague to condemn people’s sins, others who did not accept this approach needed a scapegoat. Their scapegoat was the ever so convenient Jews. During this time period economic uncertainty and social discontent was common. Labor shortages and limited demand for goods contributed to a declining economy, while peasant revolts and worsening class relations gave way to the complete unraveling of any social structure. Even in post-plague times, the social hierarchy had not changed significantly, and peasant salaries and working conditions had not gained ground despite many revolts.
5) The political turmoil facing Europe in the 14th century was not about the type of government to employ, but rather who should run it. Government was expanding tremendously, but with a corrupt system of election, finding a leader to run the government resulted in conflict and controversy. The feudal system which had served Europe so successfully, was in a gradual decline. A system of money for protection superseded the system of land for protection. Monarchs would pay highly skilled mercenaries to fight on their behalf. Eventually, the money ran out to pay these mercenaries, and as an alternative source of revenue monarchs began taxing the people.
6a) Italy, like many other European countries of the time, lacked centralized government. The division of Italy into different territories ruled by different kings resulted in inescapable political turbulence. Without the presence of a strong and incorruptible government, many city-states went ungoverned, free of taxes and other obligations.
6b) During this time, city-states all running under no one government, were engaged in constant argument over control of trade routes and land. Even within these cities, unease and discontent existed over social classes and command of the local government. This time of overall uncertainty opened the door for dictators to usurp the republican government, and exploit the less powerful states as a means of enlargement. Many people assumed that the tyrant’s rule would be only temporary, but once in power, the tyrant’s rule went unquestioned. The dictators hired mercenaries to control the city as well as to conquer other defenseless cities.
7) The Black Death prompted governing bodies throughout Europe to institute new laws and regulation which would contribute toward a cleaner, healthier, and less susceptible society. Prostitution was limited, bathhouses were closed, and many other steps at reform were taken. More children were being sent to schools, resulting in a more educated youth. After the Black Death parents became increasingly worried about their children’s safety on a health level. School afforded children the opportunity to learn in a safe and healthy environment. The medical community advanced by leaps and bounds. More medical schools were opened, making becoming a doctor that much easier. Surgeons were discovering more about the human body, opening the world of preventative medicine. Additionally, more attention was paid to public health and the prevention of future epidemics.