WHI-Chap22-Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic Plague began in the Yunnan region of southwestern China. The plague bacillus infected rodents and fleas transmitted the pathogen from one rodent to another. In the early 14th century, Mongol Military campaigns helped to spread this disease from Yunnan to China's interior region. Then in the 1340s, Mongols, merchants, and other travelers helped spread the plague along trade routes to places west of China. By 1348, the plague had reached most of western Europe. Victims had inflamed lymph nodes and most died within a few days after the onset of symptoms. Victims also suffered blue and black swellings, known as "buboes," which is where the term "bubonic" is derived from. In Europe, it was known as the "Black Death." It typically killed 60-70% of its human victims-between 1300-1400, Europe's population dropped by 25%. The Plague lasted until the late 17th century. For reasons unknown, India and sub-Saharan Africa were able to bypass these epidemics. The disease inevitably resulted in labor shortages, which generated social unrest. For example, peasants began demanding higher wages and would leave manors in search of better pay. The government, in turn decided to freeze their wages and restrict their mobility. This soon lead to many rebellions.