History of the United States I / Unit 1 USH1 0020 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Black Death
Captions available
The idea
In the thirteen forties Genoese merchants returning from the Black Sea brought a rat-borne disease, joined by an airborne strain. Together they killed about one third of Europe's population.
In practice
Entire villages disappearing within a few years.
Where people slip
A high birth rate and bountiful harvests followed, and by fourteen fifty Europe was rejuvenated and on the brink of tremendous change.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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