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What was the Black Death?

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Quick answer

The Black Death was a devastating plague that swept through Europe and Asia in the 1300s, killing an estimated one-third to half of Europe's population. Spread by fleas on rats, it reshaped society, economy, and labor for generations. It was a massive plague pandemic peaking around 1347–1351.

Key things to understand

  1. It was a massive plague pandemic peaking around 1347–1351.
  2. It killed roughly a third to half of Europe's people.
  3. It spread via fleas on rats and person to person.
  4. It transformed labor, the economy, and society.

People also ask

What was the Black Death?
A catastrophic plague pandemic in the 1300s that killed a huge share of Europe's and Asia's population.
What caused the Black Death?
A bacterium (Yersinia pestis) spread mainly by fleas on rats, and between people.
How did the Black Death change society?
Mass deaths created labor shortages, weakened feudalism, and reshaped economies and social structures.