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124 Black Death Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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The Black Death is undoubtedly one of the most significant events in human history. This devastating pandemic, also known as the Bubonic Plague, swept through Europe in the 14th century, resulting in millions of deaths and leaving a lasting impact on society. If you are tasked with writing an essay on this historical event, you may be searching for inspiration and topic ideas. In this article, we have compiled a list of 124 Black Death essay topics and examples to help you get started.

• The causes and origins of the Black Death.
• The impact of the Black Death on medieval Europe.
• The role of rats and fleas in spreading the disease.
• Comparing the Black Death to other major pandemics in history.
• The social and economic consequences of the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on art and literature.
• The medical understanding of the Black Death during the 14th century.
• The role of religious institutions during the Black Death.
• The psychological effects of living through the Black Death.
• The impact of the Black Death on the feudal system.
• The Black Death's impact on labor and the workforce.
• The Black Death's effect on the status of women in medieval society.
• The political consequences of the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medicine.
• The role of quarantine measures during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's impact on urbanization and migration.
• The Black Death's influence on artistic representations of death.
• The response of different European countries to the Black Death.
• The Black Death and its relationship to climate change.
• The role of superstitions and religious beliefs during the Black Death.
• The impact of the Black Death on trade and commerce.
• The Black Death's effect on the educational system.
• The Black Death's impact on religious practices and beliefs.
• The role of social class during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the emergence of public health measures.
• The Black Death and its impact on the development of cities.
• The Black Death's effect on the psychological well-being of survivors.
• The role of medical practitioners during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the perception of death.
• The Black Death's impact on the decline of feudalism.
• The Black Death's effect on population growth and demographics.
• The role of art in commemorating the victims of the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on religious art and iconography.
• The Black Death's impact on religious pilgrimage.
• The Black Death's effect on family structures and dynamics.
• The role of women in nursing and caregiving during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of public health policies.
• The Black Death's impact on social mobility and upward mobility.
• The Black Death's effect on the perception of physical beauty.
• The role of religious rituals and practices during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on religious sects and heresy.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of time and mortality.
• The Black Death's effect on the development of cemeteries and burial practices.
• The role of architecture in responding to the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the emergence of hospitals.
• The Black Death's impact on the development of public sanitation systems.
• The Black Death's effect on the funeral industry.
• The role of music and dance during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of mortuary practices.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of personal hygiene.
• The Black Death's effect on the portrayal of death in literature.
• The role of government and leadership during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the emergence of quarantine laws.
• The Black Death's impact on the development of art as a form of therapy.
• The Black Death's effect on the perception of authority and power.
• The role of religion in providing comfort during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical textbooks.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of illness and disease.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of personal identity.
• The role of women in herbal medicine during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal hygiene practices.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical suffering.
• The Black Death's effect on the portrayal of death in visual arts.
• The role of public spaces during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of healthcare infrastructure.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of bodily decay.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of community and solidarity.
• The role of folklore and folk remedies during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical education.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of personal space and boundaries.
• The Black Death's effect on the portrayal of death in theater.
• The role of government propaganda during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of public health campaigns.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical beauty and aesthetics.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of individualism.
• The role of midwives during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of public hygiene practices.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of bodily functions.
• The Black Death's effect on the portrayal of death in music.
• The role of religious relics and artifacts during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical research.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of spirituality and afterlife.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of personal responsibility.
• The role of women in caregiving and nursing during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal protective equipment.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical pain and suffering.
• The role of public executions during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of public health regulations.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical disability.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of mortality and immortality.
• The role of religion in consoling the bereaved during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical treatments.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of aging and senescence.
• The role of religious processions and rituals during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal hygiene products.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical attractiveness.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of fate and destiny.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal cleanliness practices.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical health.
• The role of government censorship during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical ethics.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of human fragility.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of suffering and resilience.
• The role of women in herbal remedies during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal care products.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical strength.
• The role of religious relics and symbols during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical breakthroughs.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of spirituality and transcendence.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of human interconnectedness.
• The role of midwives and female healers during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of personal hygiene habits.
• The role of public health officials during the Black Death.
• The Black Death's influence on the development of medical regulations.
• The Black Death's impact on the perception of physical cleanliness.
• The Black Death's effect on the concept of mortality and meaning of life.
• The role of religion in providing solace and hope during the Black Death.

These essay topics provide a wide range of ideas to explore the various aspects and impacts of the Black Death. Remember to conduct thorough research, gather reliable sources, and structure your essay appropriately to create a comprehensive and engaging piece of writing. Good luck with your essay!

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Black Death

By: History.com Editors

Updated: March 28, 2023 | Original: September 17, 2010

The Black Death was a devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that struck Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s. The plague arrived in Europe in October 1347, when 12 ships from the Black Sea docked at the Sicilian port of Messina. People gathered on the docks were met with a horrifying surprise: Most sailors aboard the ships were dead, and those still alive were gravely ill and covered in black boils that oozed blood and pus. Sicilian authorities hastily ordered the fleet of “death ships” out of the harbor, but it was too late: Over the next five years, the Black Death would kill more than 20 million people in Europe—almost one-third of the continent’s population.

How Did the Black Plague Start?

Even before the “death ships” pulled into port at Messina, many Europeans had heard rumors about a “Great Pestilence” that was carving a deadly path across the trade routes of the Near and Far East. Indeed, in the early 1340s, the disease had struck China, India, Persia, Syria and Egypt.

The plague is thought to have originated in Asia over 2,000 years ago and was likely spread by trading ships , though recent research has indicated the pathogen responsible for the Black Death may have existed in Europe as early as 3000 B.C.

Symptoms of the Black Plague

Europeans were scarcely equipped for the horrible reality of the Black Death. “In men and women alike,” the Italian poet Giovanni Boccaccio wrote, “at the beginning of the malady, certain swellings, either on the groin or under the armpits…waxed to the bigness of a common apple, others to the size of an egg, some more and some less, and these the vulgar named plague-boils.”

Blood and pus seeped out of these strange swellings, which were followed by a host of other unpleasant symptoms—fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, terrible aches and pains—and then, in short order, death.

The Bubonic Plague attacks the lymphatic system, causing swelling in the lymph nodes. If untreated, the infection can spread to the blood or lungs.

How Did the Black Death Spread?

The Black Death was terrifyingly, indiscriminately contagious: “the mere touching of the clothes,” wrote Boccaccio, “appeared to itself to communicate the malady to the toucher.” The disease was also terrifyingly efficient. People who were perfectly healthy when they went to bed at night could be dead by morning.

Did you know? Many scholars think that the nursery rhyme “Ring around the Rosy” was written about the symptoms of the Black Death.

Understanding the Black Death

Today, scientists understand that the Black Death, now known as the plague, is spread by a bacillus called Yersinia  pestis . (The French biologist Alexandre Yersin discovered this germ at the end of the 19th century.)

They know that the bacillus travels from person to person through the air , as well as through the bite of infected fleas and rats. Both of these pests could be found almost everywhere in medieval Europe, but they were particularly at home aboard ships of all kinds—which is how the deadly plague made its way through one European port city after another.

Not long after it struck Messina, the Black Death spread to the port of Marseilles in France and the port of Tunis in North Africa. Then it reached Rome and Florence, two cities at the center of an elaborate web of trade routes. By the middle of 1348, the Black Death had struck Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and London.

Today, this grim sequence of events is terrifying but comprehensible. In the middle of the 14th century, however, there seemed to be no rational explanation for it.

No one knew exactly how the Black Death was transmitted from one patient to another, and no one knew how to prevent or treat it. According to one doctor, for example, “instantaneous death occurs when the aerial spirit escaping from the eyes of the sick man strikes the healthy person standing near and looking at the sick.”

How Do You Treat the Black Death?

Physicians relied on crude and unsophisticated techniques such as bloodletting and boil-lancing (practices that were dangerous as well as unsanitary) and superstitious practices such as burning aromatic herbs and bathing in rosewater or vinegar.

Meanwhile, in a panic, healthy people did all they could to avoid the sick. Doctors refused to see patients; priests refused to administer last rites; and shopkeepers closed their stores. Many people fled the cities for the countryside, but even there they could not escape the disease: It affected cows, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens as well as people.

In fact, so many sheep died that one of the consequences of the Black Death was a European wool shortage. And many people, desperate to save themselves, even abandoned their sick and dying loved ones. “Thus doing,” Boccaccio wrote, “each thought to secure immunity for himself.”

Black Plague: God’s Punishment?

Because they did not understand the biology of the disease, many people believed that the Black Death was a kind of divine punishment—retribution for sins against God such as greed, blasphemy, heresy, fornication and worldliness.

By this logic, the only way to overcome the plague was to win God’s forgiveness. Some people believed that the way to do this was to purge their communities of heretics and other troublemakers—so, for example, many thousands of Jews were massacred in 1348 and 1349. (Thousands more fled to the sparsely populated regions of Eastern Europe, where they could be relatively safe from the rampaging mobs in the cities.)

Some people coped with the terror and uncertainty of the Black Death epidemic by lashing out at their neighbors; others coped by turning inward and fretting about the condition of their own souls.

Flagellants

Some upper-class men joined processions of flagellants that traveled from town to town and engaged in public displays of penance and punishment: They would beat themselves and one another with heavy leather straps studded with sharp pieces of metal while the townspeople looked on. For 33 1/2 days, the flagellants repeated this ritual three times a day. Then they would move on to the next town and begin the process over again.

Though the flagellant movement did provide some comfort to people who felt powerless in the face of inexplicable tragedy, it soon began to worry the Pope, whose authority the flagellants had begun to usurp. In the face of this papal resistance, the movement disintegrated.

How Did the Black Death End?

The plague never really ended and it returned with a vengeance years later. But officials in the port city of Ragusa were able to slow its spread by keeping arriving sailors in isolation until it was clear they were not carrying the disease—creating social distancing that relied on isolation to slow the spread of the disease.

The sailors were initially held on their ships for 30 days (a trentino ), a period that was later increased to 40 days, or a quarantine — the origin of the term “quarantine” and a practice still used today. 

Does the Black Plague Still Exist?

The Black Death epidemic had run its course by the early 1350s, but the plague reappeared every few generations for centuries. Modern sanitation and public-health practices have greatly mitigated the impact of the disease but have not eliminated it. While antibiotics are available to treat the Black Death, according to The World Health Organization, there are still 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year.

Gallery: Pandemics That Changed History

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Writing Prompts about Black Death

• 🗃️ Essay topics
• ❓ Research questions
• 📝 Topic sentences
• 🪝 Essay hooks
• 📑 Thesis statements
• 🔀 Hypothesis examples
• 🧐 Personal statements

🔗 References

🗃️ black death essay topics.

• The impact of the Black Death on medieval european society.
• Comparing the Black Death and COVID-19.
• Exploring the causes and origins of the Black Death pandemic.
• The role of trade and globalization in spreading the Black Death.
• The Black Death’s effect on religious beliefs and practices.
• Social and economic consequences of the Black Death.
• Medical knowledge and responses to the Black Death in the middle ages.
• The Black Death’s influence on art and literature.
• Black Death and the decline of feudalism.
• Women’s role and experiences during the Black Death.
• “The plague” by Albert Camus: the basic existential principles.
• The Black Death’s impact on labor and workforce dynamics.
• Quarantine measures and public health responses to the Black Death.
• The Black Death’s effects on urbanization and demographic shifts.
• Cultural and psychological trauma caused by the Black Death.
• Black Death’s influence on architecture and urban planning.
• Comparing different strains of the Black Death.
• The Black Death’s influence on political structures and governance.
• Trade and commerce recovery after the Black Death.
• The spread of Black Death in non-european regions.
• Black Death and its impact on education and intellectual history.

❓ Research Questions about Black Death

• What were the primary causes and origins of the Black Death pandemic?
• How did the Black Death impact the social structure and hierarchy of medieval European society?
• What were the different strains of the Black Death (bubonic, pneumonic, septicemic)?
• How did trade and globalization facilitate the spread of the Black Death across different regions?
• What were the major medical responses and treatments employed during the Black Death?
• What were the religious beliefs and practices during the Black Death?
• How did the Black Death affect urbanization patterns and population distribution in medieval Europe?
• What were the long-term economic consequences of the Black Death on European societies?
• How did different cultures and regions outside of Europe experience and respond to the Black Death?
• How did the Black Death influence political structures, governance, and leadership during the crisis?
• How did the Black Death affect women’s roles and experiences in medieval society?
• What were the major misconceptions and theories surrounding the cause and spread of the Black Death?
• How did the Black Death impact agriculture, food production, and food availability?
• What lessons can be learned from the Black Death that are applicable to modern epidemiology and public health?
• What were the educational and intellectual responses to the Black Death?

📝 Topic Sentences on Black Death

• The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that struck Europe in the 14th century, profoundly altered the social fabric of medieval society, leading to significant shifts in power dynamics and economic structures.
• Examining the transmission and mortality rates of different strains of the Black Death, such as bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic, provides crucial insights into the varied and complex nature of this historic plague.
• The Black Death’s impact on art and literature during the Middle Ages reflects a powerful expression of human suffering, mortality, and religious beliefs, leaving a lasting cultural legacy that continues to resonate in modern times.

🪝 Top Hooks for Black Death Paper

📍 definition hooks on black death for essay.

• Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a catastrophic pandemic that ravaged Europe during the 14th century. This deadly disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, decimated populations, leaving a lasting impact on society, culture, and public health.
• The Black Death, an infamous historical catastrophe, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe during the 14th century. This deadly plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, caused immense suffering, leaving an indelible mark on the course of human history.

📍 Statistical Hooks for Essay on Black Death

• During the Black Death, the mortality rates reached staggering heights, with estimates suggesting that between 75 to 200 million lives were claimed in Europe alone. This harrowing statistical data underscores the magnitude of the deadliest pandemic in recorded history.
• The Black Death, an unprecedented catastrophe, unleashed its deadly grip across Europe, resulting in a staggering death toll of approximately 30-60% of the continent’s population. These alarming statistics illustrate the sheer devastation and magnitude of this historic pandemic.

📍 Question Hooks about Black Death for Essay

• What were the devastating consequences of medieval the Black Death pandemic, and how did it reshape societies, ignite cultural transformations, and leave an indelible mark on the course of human history?
• How did the merciless outbreak of the Black Death in the Middle Ages forever alter demographics, economics, and medicine, leaving an enduring impact on civilization and shaping the world we know today?

📍 Quotation Hooks on Black Death

• “In the midst of darkness and despair, the Black Death emerged as a relentless force, ‘ringing the knell of universal destruction,’ leaving behind a trail of devastation and sorrow that echoed through the annals of time.” – Giovanni Boccaccio, “The Decameron”.
• “Amidst the haunting silence, the Black Death unleashed its relentless fury, ‘Death came into our midst like black smoke, a plague which carried off to the next world the majority of a city’s inhabitants.'” – Ibn al-Wardi, 14th-century historian.

📑 Best Black Death Thesis Statements

✔️ argumentative thesis about black death.

• The Black Death’s devastating impact on medieval Europe serves as a historical cautionary tale, illustrating the importance of public health measures, swift responses to pandemics, and the necessity of preserving knowledge to combat future global health crises.
• The Black Death’s cataclysmic effects on medieval society, including significant demographic shifts, economic transformations, and religious upheaval, underscore its pivotal role in reshaping the course of history and serve as a critical reminder of the importance of disease prevention and preparedness.

✔️ Analytical Thesis Samples about Black Death

• By analyzing the multifaceted causes and far-reaching consequences of the Black Death on medieval Europe, this study aims to shed light on the complex interplay between disease, society, and culture, unraveling the profound and lasting impact of this devastating pandemic.
• Through a comprehensive examination of the Black Death’s origins, transmission, and impact on various aspects of medieval society, this analysis seeks to deepen our understanding of the plague’s role in shaping historical, social, and economic developments during that tumultuous period.

✔️ Informative Thesis Examples on Black Death

• The Black Death, a medieval pandemic caused by the bubonic plague, struck Europe with unparalleled ferocity, decimating populations and altering societal structures. This informative study explores its origins, transmission, and far-reaching consequences on medieval civilization and beyond.
• The Black Death, an infamous plague of the 14th century, had a profound and lasting impact on European society, reshaping demographics, economy, and cultural perceptions. This informative analysis delves into the origins, spread, and far-reaching consequences of this devastating pandemic.

🔀 Black Death Hypothesis Examples

• The Black Death had a significant impact on the decline of feudalism and the rise of the Renaissance in Europe.
• The Black Death altered the dynamics of labor and led to economic changes, ultimately contributing to the transformation of medieval society.

🔂 Null & Alternative Hypothesis on Black Death

• Null hypothesis: The Black Death did not have a significant impact on European society and its historical development.
• Alternative hypothesis: The Black Death had a profound and transformative effect on European society, leading to demographic shifts, economic changes, and the restructuring of social and cultural norms.

🧐 Examples of Personal Statement about Black Death

• As a history enthusiast, the Black Death has always captivated my curiosity and imagination. Learning about this devastating pandemic that swept through medieval Europe has shown me the immense power of historical events in shaping societies. The Black Death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence and the resilience of human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardships. Studying the Black Death has also given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of public health and the impact of disease outbreaks on communities.
• The Black Death, a harrowing chapter in history, has always fascinated me as a student of the past. Exploring the devastating impact of this medieval pandemic on European society has sparked my passion for understanding how historical events shape the world we live in today. The Black Death serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of humanity and the profound importance of public health. Witnessing how this catastrophic outbreak reshaped communities and economies, I am driven to pursue a career in public health, dedicating myself to preventing and managing infectious diseases in modern times.
• The Black Death And The Future Of Medicine
• Insufficient evidence for natural selection associated with the Black Death
• The Black Death and its effect on fourteenth- and fifteenthcentury art
• The Economic Impact of the Black Death
• Pandemics and Cities: Evidence from the Black Death and the Long-Run

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AssignZen . 2023. "Writing Prompts about Black Death." July 23, 2023. https://assignzen.com/writing-prompts/black-death-essay-ideas/.

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67 Plague Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on plague, 🌶️ hot plague essay topics, 📌 easy plague essay topics, 👍 good plague research topics & essay examples.

• The Black Plague and Its Social Impact
• History of “The Black Death” by Rosemary Horrox
• The Black Death Description and Analysis
• Arts and the Black Death
• Plague Caused by Contact Between Humans and Animals
• The Black Death: Impact on European Society
• The Film “Black Death” by Christopher Smith
• Plague, Religion, and Society in Literature In the Late Middle Ages, the plague pandemic has become a world-changing precedent. This paper analyzes it compared to the modern pandemic and plague in Boccaccio’s “Decameron”.
• Black Death Impact on the Direction of Western Civilization The Black Death was a catastrophic global Bubonic Pest outbreak in the mid-1300s that affected Europe and Asia.
• The Impact of the Black Plague on Europe The Black Death or the Black Plague reached Europe in the middle of the fourteenth century. This essay will deal with the economic and social impacts of the plague in medieval Europe.
• The Bubonic Plague: History, Causes and Symptoms Bubonic plague is a serious infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to human beings, and it is also referred to as the Black Death.
• The Black Plague: Origin, Classification and Challenges The black plague – the term used to refer to one of the deadliest diseases to have been witnessed in the world. In 1347-1350, the disease was killed 1 person for every 4 people in Europe.
• The History of Mongols, the Black Death Human society can be compared with a living organism that is the constant process of development. The currents that present special interest for the present work are the Mongols.
• Empires History in Different Periods of Plague History World history knows the examples of many empires, which were shocked by their glory, and other empires ruined either, or the time came for their loss from the map of the world.
• Pneumonic Plague in Nursing Education The nurse’s response to the pneumonic plague will be reflected in the two synchronous measures, which are education and surveillance.
• Encrypted Viruses as the Plague of the New Millennium The Internet has never been safe enough – browsing online has always meant putting oneself under the threat of contracting a virus.
• “The Black Death and the World It Made” by Cantor The Black Death is known as one of the most horrible and destructive pandemics that hit the medieval world. It surfaced in Europe in the fourteenth century at around 1347 to 1350.
• Responses to Plague in Early Modern Europe: The Implications of Public Health
• Meaning, Continuity, and Revolutionary Change in Histories of Medieval Plague
• Etiology of the 1664-1665 Black Plague in London
• Climate-Driven Introduction of the Black Death and Successive Plague Reintroductions Into Europe
• Bubonic Plague: How It Could Have Possibly Been Prevented
• Plague as a Re-Emerging Infectious Disease With Biowarfare Potential
• Christian and Muslim Views on the 14th-Century Plague
• The Influence of Temperature on the Seasonality of Historical Plague Outbreaks
• Ecological Opportunity, Evolution, and the Emergence of Flea-Borne Plague
• Plague in the 21st Century: Global Public Health Challenges & Goals
• Europe’s Bubonic Plague and Latin America’s Smallpox Outbreak Comparison
• The Economic Impact of the Black Death of 1347-1352
• Mortality Risk and Survival in the Aftermath of the Medieval Black Death
• The Black Death Artistic Legacy: How the Plague Has Affected the Arts and Literature
• Human Plague as an Old Scourge That Needs New Answers
• Plague Risk in the Western United States Over Seven Decades of Environmental Change
• Trade Routes and Plague Transmission in Pre-Industrial Europe
• Assembling a Safe and Effective Toolbox for Integrated Flea Control and Plague Mitigation
• The Source of the Black Death in the 14th-Century Central Eurasia
• Plague Prevention and Therapy: Perspectives on Current and Future Strategies
• Plague Vaccines: New Developments in an Ongoing Search
• Islamic Civilizations and Plagues: Religion, Faith, and Psychology During Pandemics
• Selectivity of Black Death Mortality With Respect to Preexisting Health
• Lessons From the History of Quarantine: From Plague to Influenza A
• Current Challenges in the Development of Vaccines for Pneumonic Plague
• Model Systems to Study Plague Pathogenesis and Develop New Therapeutics
• Signatures of Natural Selection During the Black Death
• Human Plague System Associated With Rodent Diversity and Other Environmental Factors
• Plague and Pregnancy: Why Special Considerations Are Needed
• Plasmids & Pestilence: Biological and Clinical Aspects of Bubonic Plague
• Epidemiologic Determinants for Modeling Pneumonic Plague Outbreaks
• Why the Europeans Could Not Handle the Black Plague
• Bubonic Plague: A Molecular Genetic Case History of the Emergence of an Infectious Disease
• Geographic Distribution and Ecological Niche of Plague in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Bubonic Plague: A Metapopulation Model of a Zoonosis
• Socio-Epidemiological Determinants of the 2002 Plague Outbreak in India
• The Black Death: What We Can Learn From the Spread of Disease Along the Silk Roads
• A History of the Plague in China: From Ancient Times to Mao
• Inevitable or Avoidable: Why the World Is Not Yet Ready to Face the Next Great Plague
• Epidemic Response Scenario: Decision-Making in a Time of Plague
• Dissociation of Tissue Destruction and Bacterial Expansion During Bubonic Plague
• Economic, Political, Social, and Religious Structure Changes Brought by the Black Plague in Europe
• Epidemiology of Human Plague in the United States, 1900-2020
• Molecular and Physiological Insights Into Plague Transmission, Virulence, and Etiology
• How Bubonic Plague in Europe Has Changed Art History
• Plague as a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management
• Risk of Person-to-Person Transmission of Pneumonic Plague
• Identification of Chinese Plague Foci From Long-Term Epidemiological Data
• Pandemics, Places, and Populations: Evidence From the Black Death
• Prevention of Bubonic and Pneumonic Plague Using Plant-Derived Vaccines

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StudyCorgi. (2023, May 18). 67 Plague Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/plague-essay-topics/

"67 Plague Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 18 May 2023, studycorgi.com/ideas/plague-essay-topics/.

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StudyCorgi . "67 Plague Essay Topics." May 18, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/plague-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2023. "67 Plague Essay Topics." May 18, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/plague-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Plague were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 28, 2023 .

Topics on Black Death to Inspire You

Occasionally, maybe in movies, history books, novels, or plays, you might have probably encountered the term Black Death. Of course, it brings to mind the pain, grim memories, and suffering in ancient times. Talk of chaotic mass graves, madness-allover, and devastation in the medieval city, there were many catastrophic effects of the Black Death.

Not even modern science has unearthed the casualties of the Black Death epidemic. However, there are claims and anecdotal evidence to suggest that it killed nearly twice as many people like those who lost their lives to World War II.

Could there at least be positive consequences you may ask? Well, maybe this list of Black Death essay topics will tell us more. If you come across bubonic plague essay topics, they are the same thing. However, for now; be our guest. In a few minutes as we take you through different categories of Black Death, essay topics.

What is the Black Death?

The Black Death was an epidemic that killed upward of one-third of the population of Europe between 1346 and 1353 (more on proportional mortality below). The Black Death was the Great Plague of 1665, which by some estimates killed fifteen to twenty percent of the population in certain locales.

Surprisingly, the medieval European social-demographic system rebounded from the Black Death. A common misconception is that black refers to skin discolorations accompanying the disease. However, Black is meant in the metaphorical sense of terrible. It is what we know as pestilence, in modern times.

If you are confused about the best Black Death essay thesis, find out more about Black Death by reading:

• Sample black death essay
• Sample Black Death book review of Black Death : The book is The Black Death, 1346:1353: The complete history by Ole J. Benedictow.

Our writers can also help you come up with a Black Death thesis statement that will catch the eyes of your professor. Talk to us.

Cause and Effects Topics on the Bubonic Plague

• The impacts of the Black Death in the emancipation of the European counties post the pandemic period.
• The main effects of the bubonic plague in China
• The causes and effects of the Black Death
• The role of Black Death in Protestant Reformation, a cause and consequences analysis
• Did the pandemics during medieval times affect the genes of Europeans
• Myths surrounding the Black Death
• Impacts of Black Death on Western Civilization
• Black Death and Religion
• The economic consequences of the Black Death
• How black death affected Feudalism
• Impacts of Black Death on society
• Social Responses to the Black Death
• How black death affected families
• The consequences of the Black Death on international relations
• Did the Black Death lead to the strengthening of medical research?
• The consequences of the bubonic plague on the European Export market
• Black Death as the genesis of the end of the Middle Ages
• Impacts of the Black Death on the Industrial Revolution
• Cultural and Spiritual consequences of the Black Death in the late Middle Ages
• Factors that led to the spread of the Black Death in Europe
• The genesis of the Black Death
• The impacts of Black Deaths on Disease Control and Emergency Management
• The impacts of the Black Death on immigration

Related Reading: Argumentative essay topics and ideas.

Compare and Contrast Black Death Topics

• Can Black Death be equated to Ebola or Coronavirus outbreak?
• Compare the management of the bubonic plague and a devastating international communicable disease outbreak (Zika Virus, Ebola, Coronavirusetc.)
• Compare the impacts of the Black Death on urban and rural populations
• Compare and contrast pneumonic plague and the bubonic plague
• Compare the position of the Catholic and Protestant churches pre-and post-bubonic plague
• Compare and contrast the perception of the Black Death among different cultures
• Compare and contrast modern and medieval definition and control of the bubonic plague
• Compare and contrast black death and smallpox
• How were the Great Plague and Black Death Similar?
• Black Death Vs. Ebola outbreak
• Justinian plague vs. Bubonic Plague

Expository Topics on Black Death/Bubonic Plague

• Black Death in London
• Black Death in India
• What caused the Black Death?
• Life during the Black Death
• Religious effects of Black death
• How Black Death inspired art
• Black death and its impact on agriculture and architecture
• How the black death changed medicine
• How did the Black Plague end?
• What were the perceptions of people on the Black Death?
• Bulbous Plague
• Positive impacts of Black Death
• Social effects of Black Death
• Bubonic Plague in New York
• How the Black Death affected Trade
• Was Black Death a hemorrhagic fever?
• Black Death and the Magna Carta
• Septicemic plague and treatment approaches
• How the Black Death response changed Emergency Response by nations
• Etiology of the Black Death
• White Penitents movement during the 17th-century pandemics
• Quarantine strategies used by Medieval cities during the Black Plague
• Does bubonic plague pose danger to modern society?
• Hypotheses of the Medieval people on the cause of Black Death
• Symptoms and progression of the Black Death
• Why Black Death stopped
• Is the black plague the first biological weapon?
• Main victims of persecutions during the pandemics
• Origins of the names Great Plague and Black Death
• The image of a plague doctor in modern pop culture
• Flagellants and the interpretation of Black Death
• How Medieval Europe could have managed the bubonic plague
• Italian cities' response to the Black Plague
• Black Death and Slavery
• Cultural effects of the Black Plague

English and Literature Topics on Black Death

• Influence of black death on medieval literature
• Canterbury tales of the black death
• The Influence of the Black Death on Medieval Literature and Language
• Analysis of Science, Alchemy, and the Great Plague of London by Scott Shelly
• The symbolism used in the painting Plague by Arnold Böcklin.
• Analysis of The Black Death poem by Matthew Henning
• Famous Black Death Paintings
• Black Death and Renaissance beliefs on death
• Black Death artifacts
• Famous poems about Plagues
• Guillaume de Machaut's Poem Jugement dou and Black Death

Important Books the Document the Black Death

• The Plague Pamphlets of Thomas Dekker By Thomas Dekker; F. P. Wilson
• Plagues, Healers, and Patients in Early Modern Europe by Eamon, William
• Hunting the Double Helix: How DNA Is Solving Puzzles of the Past by Anna Meyer
• The Black Death in Egypt and England: A Comparative Study by Stuart J. Borsch
• The Later Middle Ages, 1272-1485 by George Holmes
• Plantagenet England, 1225-1360 by Michael Prestwich
• The Story of Rats: Their Impact on Us, and Our Impact on Them by S. Anthony Barnett
• The Black Death: An Essay on Traumatic Change by Atlas, Jerrold
• Plague Bug Wasn't All That Fierce: DNA Analysis Suggests Living Conditions Fed Black Death by Bascom, Nick
• What a Pest: Why the Black Death Still Won't Die by Anthes Emily
• Historical Dictionary of Late Medieval England, 1272-1485 by Ronald H. Fritze and William B. Robison
• The Black Death: The Greatest Catastrophe Ever: Ole J. Benedictow Describes How He Calculated That the Black Death Killed 50 Million People in the 14th Century, or 60 percent of Europe's Entire Population by Benedictow, Ole J
• The Prospect of Global History by James Belich ; John Darwin; Margret Frenz; Chris Wickham
• Events That Changed Great Britain, from 1066 to 1714 by Frank W. Thackeray; John E. Findling
• Science, Alchemy, and the Great Plague of London by Scott Shelley
• The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
• Death and the Pearl Maiden: Plague, Poetry, England by David K. Coley
• The Black Death by Rosemay Horrox
• Encyclopedia of the Black Death, Volume 1 , by Joseph Patrick Byrne

Parting Shot!

There you have it; these are some of the most common Black Death essay topics. However, we have twisted them around wittingly to help you write the best outlines for your term papers, thesis, research papers, and short essays on Black Death. If you have gone through the list and you feel like it is too much grim to write a paper on, we can help. You can order an essay online from us and we will assign the best writer. Gradecrest is the ultimate best when it comes to English essay writers !

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The Black Death

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How did the unknown origin of the plague, as well as the inability to find a cure, affect the lives and attitudes of the citizens of Europe?

Research another pandemic—either the Spanish Flu of 1918, or the Covid pandemic of 2020. How has reading The Black Death contributed to your understanding of how a society should react to a global pandemic or health crisis? How were medieval reactions to the Black Death similar to those of the recent past? How were they different?

How did the limited state of medieval medical knowledge contribute to the spread of the Black Death? Why did superstition and disinformation spread in the absence of scientific understanding?

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45 Black Death Essay Topics That Will Freak You Out

What comes to your mind when you hear the expression “Black Death”? Probably horrible pictures of devastated medieval cities, chaotic mass graves, and all-around madness. Modern scientists can’t give a precise number of people who died from this disease, but it certainly killed more people than World War II.

You might be surprised, but all these horrors actually had some positive consequences. Really, this is no joke. If you want to know more, read our list of bubonic plague essay topics and learn something new, pal! You can use them for writing your own paper, or to buy cheap essays from qualified writers.

Analytical Black Death Essay Topics

• The semantics of the word “plague” in modern English.
• The Black Plague – the first biological weapon in human history.
• The main symptoms of the bubonic plague.
• Who became the main victims of persecutions during the pandemics, and why?
• Medieval hypotheses about the reasons for the plague.
• Effective and useless means of protection against the plague in medieval cities.
• Medical treatment of the plague in the Middle Ages.
• How could medieval Europeans decrease the risk of spreading the disease?
• The image of a plague doctor in modern popular culture.
• The movement of the White Penitents during the pandemics.
• The origins and use of the expressions “Black Death” and “Great Plague.”
• The pattern of the third plague pandemic in the 19th century.
• Explain the etiology of the Black Plague.
• Quarantine measures in Italian cities against the Black Plague.
• Who were the Flagellants? How did these practitioners interpret the Black Death?
• Explain the term “choreomania.” How is this phenomenon related to the Black Plague?
• Why was the bubonic plague called the Black Death?
• Was the costume of a plague doctor actually helpful?
• Is the bubonic plague dangerous today?
• Why did the Black Death stop?

Cause and Effect Bubonic Plague Essay Topics

• What consequences did the bubonic plague have for medieval Europe?
• The rapid development of medicine as a result of the Black Death.
• Was the bubonic plague one of the reasons for the Protestant Reformation?
• The cultural consequences of the Black Death in the Late Middle Ages.
• How did the Black Plague get to Europe, and what factors accelerated its spread?
• The effects of the Black Plague on the Industrial Revolution.
• The influence of the pandemics on the genes of Europeans.
• How did the Black Death contribute to the end of the Middle Ages?
• What were the main effects of the plague on China?
• How did the Black Death influence the emancipation in European countries after the pandemics?

Compare and Contrast Bubonic Plague Topics

• Compare and contrast the state of urban and rural populations after the Black Plague.
• Compare and contrast the bubonic plague and pneumonic plague: symptoms, course of the disease, and treatment.
• Compare and contrast the medieval and modern medical description of the bubonic plague.
• Compare and contrast the state of the Catholic Church before and after the pandemic.
• Compare and contrast the perception of the Black Death in different religions.

Black Death Essay Topics: Art and Literature

• The basic principles of existentialism in the novel “The Plague” by Albert Camus.
• What role does the plague play in “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio?
• The caricature of feudal society in the fable “The Animals Sick of the Plague” by Jean de La Fontaine.
• The history of the plague doctor’s mask in culture.
• The role of the plague in the movie “The Seventh Seal” directed by Ingmar Bergman.
• What techniques make the novel “A Journal of the Plague Year” written by Daniel Defoe realistic?
• How does the plague and its consequences drive the plot in the novel “The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni?
• What is a greater evil portrayed in the movie “Black Death” – the plague, or human viciousness?
• Define the term “The Danse Macabre.” What is the connection between this allegory and the Black Plague?
• Symbolism of the painting “Plague” by Arnold Böcklin.

These Black Death essay topics are enough to compose an outline for a dissertation, let alone for an essay. But if your heart tells you to have some rest and watch “Game of Thrones” – listen to it! Pay for an essay at EssayBulls.com from professional experts, or buy coursework essay or any other paper types. And be bullsome!

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Bubonic Plague: a Historical Perspective on the Black Death

This essay about “Bubonic Plague: A Historical Perspective on the Black Death” unveils the haunting impact of the devastating pandemic that ravaged medieval Europe in the 14th century. Detailing the staggering human tragedy, societal shifts, and psychological toll, it illuminates the profound consequences of the Black Death. The text explores the reshaping of cultural and religious landscapes, as the plague prompted reevaluations and sparked creative expressions such as the Dance of Death paintings. Economically, the aftermath witnessed newfound mobility and interconnectedness, transforming the labor landscape and trade routes. Beyond a mere historical account, this essay prompts contemplation on the enduring echoes of the Bubonic Plague, emphasizing its indelible imprint on contemporary societies and human thought.

How it works

In the intricate tapestry of history, few threads are as dark and haunting as the Black Death, the Bubonic Plague that descended upon medieval Europe in the mid-14th century. This devastating pandemic, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, marked an epoch of unparalleled suffering, reshaping the contours of society, culture, and the very essence of human existence.

The Black Death was no ordinary calamity; it was a cataclysm that struck fear into the hearts of those unfortunate enough to witness its merciless advance.

As the contagion spread through flea-infested rats, it left a trail of devastation in its wake, claiming millions of lives and altering the course of history in ways both immediate and enduring.

At its core, the Bubonic Plague was a human tragedy of staggering proportions. Entire communities were decimated, leaving behind a landscape scarred by the sudden and widespread loss of life. The social structure of medieval Europe underwent a seismic shift as the balance of power tilted, fueled by a shortage of labor. The surviving peasantry, now in a position of newfound leverage, began to demand higher wages and improved working conditions, signaling the beginning of the end for the rigid feudal system.

However, the consequences of the Black Death reached beyond the stark demographic changes. The psychological toll on survivors was profound, echoing through generations like a grim refrain. The brutality of the plague, characterized by its gruesome symptoms and swift mortality, cast a long shadow, leaving individuals haunted by the specter of death. Artistic expressions from this era, such as the Dance of Death paintings, vividly captured the prevailing sense of existential dread and the inevitability of mortality.

Culturally, the Bubonic Plague prompted a profound reassessment of religious and philosophical beliefs. The Church, a dominant force in medieval society, faced unprecedented challenges to its authority as people grappled with the question of divine justice amidst widespread suffering. The crisis sparked theological debates and paved the way for the emergence of new religious movements and sects that sought to make sense of the inexplicable tragedy, reshaping spiritual landscapes.

The plague’s tendrils extended into the realms of art and literature, where the prevailing themes of morbidity and the transient nature of life found poignant expression. Works such as Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” and Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” encapsulated the pervasive atmosphere of uncertainty and introspection that permeated post-plague society. Through these creative endeavors, individuals sought to make sense of the profound disruptions wrought by the Black Death.

Economically, the aftermath of the Bubonic Plague ushered in a new era of mobility and interconnectedness. The labor shortage prompted peasants to seek better opportunities, accelerating the decline of serfdom and catalyzing the growth of urban centers. Trade routes, once paralyzed by the fear of contagion, gradually reopened, fostering a renewed sense of economic activity and cultural exchange. The scars of the plague, while indelible, spurred a transformation that laid the groundwork for a more dynamic and interconnected Europe.

As we reflect on this historical perspective of the Black Death, we recognize that the Bubonic Plague was not merely a distant chapter confined to the pages of medieval chronicles. Its echoes persist in the fabric of our collective memory, shaping the trajectory of societies and influencing the evolution of human thought. This historical journey through the lens of the Bubonic Plague invites contemplation of the profound impact that this catastrophic event continues to exert on the world we inhabit today.

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Black Death — Essay On The Black Death

Essay on The Black Death

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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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The Plague (The Black Death) of 1348 and 1350 Essay

Diseases that cause a massive devastation in a given geographical region pose a major threat. Being contagious can spread easily and their prevention becomes herculean task for health care professionals. The present paper is concerned with highlighting a disease known as plague that caused epidemic in the 13th century in United States. Plague, also known Bubonic plague, is an infectious disease that results from the causative agent Yersinia pestis. Infected rats play role in spreading he disease to humans and it is visually characterized by increased lymph nodes in the regions of neck, groin, armpits and other regions ( Plague Glossary , 2012). Plague has derived it’s another name “Black death”. In epic percentages, it has caused death of people and is considered as medieval pandemic in history. In detail, between the years 1348 and 1350 Black Death occurred. European population of nearly 30 to 60% has fallen victims to Black Death which indicates the death of 450 million in the year 1400 (Baxamusa,2011). The disease was first believed to occur in China in the year 1328 when an outbreak had occurred. This made the reduction of Chinese population from 125 million to 90 million in short period of 50 years. The disease next made its way to Bristol, and then to London, England. The reasons for rapid spreading of disease were suspected to be poor living conditions associated with Overpopulation. In London city, from the overall population of 70,000, nearly 20,000 people died. A person could be hanged, if maintained a distance of 12 feet from the infected individual and comes to other or new location. This is because such persons were considered as carriers of disease and could spread (Baxamusa, 2011).

In the year, 1350 Black Death cases were reported to be subsided. In the 19 th century, after being eliminated from Europe, the disease was last reported. Nearly 180 deaths reported in Africa in 2003 and 50 deaths from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2006.

Over the past few decades, developing nations like India and developed countries like United States have reported plague cases (Baxamusa, 2011).To better control the infection, a US agency named the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has come forward. The objective of this agency is to track and probe the trends in public health. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this agency is part of the US Public Health Services (PHS) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ( Plague Glossary , 2012).So the US public health system would handle this epidemic by prevention and control measures. These may involve risk reduction where strategies on decreasing wild rodents and fleas in the environment of plague infected areas are targeted. Such approaches would be implemented at work places, houses and entertainment centers which may become the high sources of plague infections ( Prevention and Control, 2005). For this, environmental sanitation is important, initially. Sources that supply or synthesize food would be eliminated that are used by rodents, make homes and buildings ( Prevention and Control, 2005). As ships were considered the earlier sources of Black Death epidemic, they would be regulated by expert inspecting individuals and for fumigation if needed Educational awareness would be created among the medical community and public to get rid of contacts with infected animals and their fleas ( Prevention and Control, 2005). The society would be given many recommendations watching and reporting to the local health officials, eliminating all possible sources that serve as breeding grounds for rodents, and finally making the area rodent proof with use of flea killing chemicals, sprays or disinfectants ( Prevention and Control, 2005). Prophylactic measures would also be taken with antibiotics Sulfonamides or tetracyclinesfor a short period to prevent infection from persons bitten with infected rodent fleas or who contacted infected animals during outbreak ( Prevention and Control, 2005).

Baxamusa Batul Nafisa. (2011). Black Death Facts . Web.

Plague Glossary of Terms . (2012). Web.

Prevention and Control . (2005). Web.

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Signs and Symptoms of Plague

• Plague symptoms depend on how the patient was infected.
• The most common forms of plague are bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic.

Signs and symptoms

Bubonic plague: Patients develop fever, headache, chills, and weakness and one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes (called buboes). This form usually results from the bite of an infected flea, with an incubation period of 2 to 8 days. The bacteria multiply in a lymph node near where the bacteria entered the human body. If the patient is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body.

Septicemic plague: Patients develop fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possibly bleeding into the skin and other organs. Skin and other tissues may turn black and die, especially on fingers, toes, and the nose. Septicemic plague can occur as the first symptom of plague or may develop from untreated bubonic plague. This form results from bites of infected fleas or from handling an infected animal. The incubation period of septicemic plague is poorly defined but likely occurs within days of exposure.

Pneumonic plague: Patients develop fever, headache, weakness, and a rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous. Pneumonic plague develops when bacteria spread to the lungs of a patient with untreated bubonic or septicemic plague, or when a person inhales infectious droplets coughed out by another person or animal with pneumonic plague. Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the disease and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person. The incubation period of pneumonic plague following inhalation can be as short as +1 day.

When to talk to your doctor

Plague is a serious illness. If you are experiencing symptoms like those listed here, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment with the correct medications is critical to prevent complications or death.

Plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals. It is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis .

For Everyone

Health care providers, public health.