Chapter 10, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 10: Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000–1500
"The Black Death"

Introduction
Although you have read about the impact of the plague, it might be difficult for you to imagine the catastrophic effects of the Black Death. In this activity you will gain some sense of the degree of Europe's devastation by reading accounts of the illness and its effects on the economy, attitudes and beliefs, and daily life.

Destination Title: The Black Death

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Directions

Start at the Black Death Web site.

Read the information on the site, going from page to page and taking notes as you read. Start by clicking on Introduction. You can move from page to page by clicking on the "Next Page" button.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. How are the spread of the plague and trade routes related?

2. How did the disease—the Black Death—get its name?

3. What was the population loss in Europe during this time? Which professions suffered most?

4. When did Europe recover its pre-plague population?

5. Imagine you lived in one of the cities discussed on the Web site. On a separate piece of paper, write a letter to the future about the events and your experiences in your city. Use what you have learned on the site and in your book to include detailed descriptions and information.