Historians and doctors have much in common. Both acknowledge that the proper study of mankind is Man. Both are particularly interested in the influences which condition human existence. . . . In medical diagnosis, a single cause for disease will often be found. In historical investigation, the causes are likely to be complex. Nothing could be more ridiculous than to contend that disease is always the primary cause of great historical change; but, particularly at a time when the sociological aspects of history are being emphasized, it is worth examining those episodes in which the influence of disease may have been of real importance, especially when that importance has been neglected or misconstrued by more conventional historians.
Frederick Cartwright, Disease and History
Over the millennia, various epidemic and pandemics have greatly influenced the course of human events. This can be witnessed in military and political affairs, in cultural worldviews, in the development of the arts and folklore. This assignment consists of descriptions of epidemics from throughout the western world and interpretations of their impact. In a short research paper consider the following questions and answer them in your response.
Be sure to synthesize (all) the material into your own analysis of the role of plague throughout the centuries. Are the plagues discussed the same diseases? What are their similarities? What are their differences? What effect do these illnesses have on society, culture, politics, and the economy? Are there commonalities to man’s reaction or response to the sickness? What does the reaction of humanity to epidemic say about our species? Is mankind more capable of dealing with an epidemic or even pandemic in one period than another?
Submission Requirements: This assignment must comply with summary format guidelines: Introductory paragraph (what and how you are going to show, describe, "prove," etc.), multi-paragraph body (where the evidence is used to support your position using in-text citations), and a closing paragraph (what you have shown, described, proved, argued, etc.).
Selected readings from the following are provided from the following:
Thucydides, “The Great Plague at Athens”
Procopius, “Justinian’s Plague”
Documents on the Black Death
Jean de Venette, “The Plague in France”
Giovanni Boccaccio, “A Most Terrible Plague”
Matteo Villani, “God’s Hand was Unstrung”
Samuel K. Cohn, Jr., The Black Death: End of a Paradigm”
“Orders for the Prevention of the Plague, 1666”
Daniel Defoe, “Journal of the Plague Year”
A. W. Sloan, “Medical and Social Aspects of the Great Plague of London in 1665”
Full Answer Section
While the specific diseases differed – the Athenian plague remains debated, while the Black Death was bubonic plague – the impact shared chilling similarities. All caused immense mortality, with estimates suggesting the Black Death wiped out nearly a third of Europe's population. This decimation led to profound economic consequences. Labor shortages caused a rise in wages, disrupting established social hierarchies. Culturally, the omnipresence of death fueled artistic movements and religious fervor. Boccaccio's "A Most Terrible Plague" portrays a world consumed by fear and despair, while religious texts like Matteo Villani's "God's Hand was Unstrung" attributed the plague to divine wrath.
Human responses to these outbreaks also reveal fascinating commonalities. Fear and panic were universal. "Orders for the Prevention of the Plague, 1666" document attempts to isolate the sick, reflecting a public health strategy seen throughout history. Social distancing, though not explicitly termed, was practiced during the Black Death, as evidenced by Giovanni Boccaccio's description of individuals fleeing infected areas. Additionally, scapegoating emerged as a coping mechanism. During the Black Death, Jewish communities were often blamed for the outbreak, leading to persecution and violence.
However, advancements in medicine and public health did influence humanity's ability to combat epidemics. Daniel Defoe's "Journal of the Plague Year" offers a glimpse into London's response to the Great Plague of 1665. While rudimentary by modern standards, their efforts at quarantine and sanitation reflected a growing understanding of disease transmission. This highlights that humanity's capacity to deal with pandemics has evolved.
In conclusion, plagues across the centuries, despite their biological distinctions, have shared devastating consequences for societies. They have reshaped economies, fueled cultural movements, and challenged religious beliefs. Examining humanity's reactions reveals both common threads of fear and scapegoating, as well as a gradual progression in public health measures. While the fight against pandemics is an ongoing struggle, our historical understanding serves as a valuable resource for navigating future outbreaks. By learning from the past, we can be better prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Sample Answer
The Enduring Shadow: A Historical Analysis of Plagues and their Impact on Humanity
Throughout history, humanity has faced a relentless enemy – disease. Plagues, sweeping across continents like wildfire, have left behind a trail of devastation, shaping the course of human events in profound ways. This paper will analyze epidemics and pandemics across the centuries, examining their similarities, differences, and their enduring impact on society, culture, politics, and the economy. By synthesizing primary sources like "The Great Plague of Athens" by Thucydides and scholarly works like Samuel K. Cohn's "The Black Death: End of a Paradigm," we can gain a deeper understanding of humanity's complex relationship with these devastating illnesses.