Chapter 12, Part I: Prelude to the Crisis and the Black Death

Key Terms/Ideas to Outline:

Little Ice Age
"Great Famine"
Origin of Plague
Spread of Plague
Role of Church During Plague
Economic Effects of Plague
Social Effects of Plague

Questions to Consider:

• What caused the economic downturn in Europe in the 14th century?  Which countries were hit the hardest, and why?
• How do you think the crisis of the early 14th century affected the lives and families of average Europeans?  How might their families and/or jobs change as a result?
• Consider the strength of political leadership in the early 14th century.  What kind of leader was Edward II?  How might this have exacerbated the crisis?
• What was the cause of the Black Death?
• How did the Black Death spread?
• How did it affect the European economy and society?