In human history, few pandemics can be compared to the Back Death. This pandemic took place between the years of 1346 and 1353 in Europe, killing between 75 and 200 million people. To date, there is no theory about the causal agents of the pandemic. However, research indicates that Yersinia pestis bacterium was the responsible pathogen for such mass deaths, causing many forms of plague.
The origin of the Black Death is believed to be Central Asia’s arid plains, travelling along the Silk Road to reach Crimea by 1343. It was then carried by oriental rat fleas that were common in merchant ships (Cole and Symes, 331). This way, Black Death was spread through Europe and the Mediterranean, killing 30-60 percent of the total population of Europe. It proved to be a costly pandemic as it was uncontainable.
Figure: Dance Macabre, in the graveyard of the church of St. Magnus at Magdeburg
The Dance death was an artistic impression that signified the extent of the epidemic and the misfortunes while also providing some ray of hope that the epidemic would come to an end. On the other hand, it spread an unprecedented fear of hell with all people, poor and rich turning to religion. The dance death involved corpses tagging or drawing the living to death.
Black Death played a crucial role to facilitating Western Civilization. The aftermath of the pandemic saw economic, religious and social upheavals. Such upheavals had profound effects in defining the European history. For instance, the aftermath of the plague witnessed a boom in renewed religious fanaticism. Most Europeans blamed groups such as Jews and lepers for the pandemic. This saw Lepers exterminated from Europe.
Renaissance
This cultural movement existed between the 14th and the 16th century (Kirchner et al., 30). Historians believe that the movement originated in Italy before spreading to Europe in the late middle ages. Renaissance changes were not experienced in Europe uniformly. This was despite the fact that dissemination of ideas had been enhanced by inventing metal movable type and the availability of paper.
Like any cultural movement, Renaissance encompassed flowering of vernacular and Latin literatures from the 14th century. During this time, learning was based on classical sources. Renaissance played a crucial role in facilitating Western Civilization. Politically, this period was marked with a number of developments such as diplomacy conventions. It would be harsh to analyze the history of Europe without mentioning the impact Renaissance had. Apart from politics, the concept promoted the reliance of people on the observation. Between Modern history and Middle-Ages, Renaissance bridged the gap of ideologies.
Figure: The renaissance art painting of the Tudor succession
The renaissance provided a new shift of ideologies about the role of art. It emphasized on the connection between art, politics and social life. The elite in the society had more appreciation for art with artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo serving from the king’s court and King's palaces.
Renaissance saw a number of intellectual revolutions, besides political and social upheaval. The artistic developments brought about by the concept are best remembered to have shaped the European history. It is from this period that legends like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci emerged to be considered among the greats (Cole and Symes, 349).
How Europe Changed from Medieval times to the Early Modern Era
The change of Europe from Medieval times to the Early Modern Era witnessed a number of improvements in the society. One crucial feature characterized by such change was the globalizing character. During the transformation, exploration and colonization activities were common (Cole and Symes, 362). There was an increased and sustained contact between parts of the globe that were previously isolated. Global trade became a common phenomenon. It is at this time that the Columbian exchange was established, affecting the human environment greatly. These changes included facilitated trade of things like food crops, plants and animals, bringing forth the New World to replace the Old World.
During this transformation, there were notable changes in cultural, political and economic practice. On the cultural front, The Renaissance played a big role in facilitating the change. With origins in Italy, the movement managed to spread to Europe. This movement encompassed major rebellions that were based on classical sources. The changes that characterized the transformation include developments in painting and widespread reforms in the education sector. This changed the perspective people on various issues. It is during this time that individuals such as Johannes Gutenberg made a name for themselves.
Economic changes were also on the rise. From the 15th century to the 17th century, there were a number of high profile trips by European countries to establish new trading routes to address Europe’s capitalism that was on the rise. Explorers were also interested in trading goods that included silver, gold and spices. It is during such explorations that Europeans encountered new people and lands that they were unaware of previously. Mercantilism facilitated government interventions over the economy. The period also witnessed the establishment of much of the present capitalist system. Economic expansion during this time was boosted by Commercial Revolution. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, colonialism and mercantilism were the norms of the day. Europeans got a chance to discover rare commodities that were in Europe. These changes increased the desire people had o engaged in trade practices, boosting the trade industry. In the 15th century, several European nations sought for new trade routes. Such had the impact of building new, vast international trade networks. In essence, such a period sparked an increase in commerce, insurance, investing and banking.
Politics played a crucial role in facilitating the change from medieval times to the Early Modern era. The rise in governments that were centralized and discovery of colonies was a common factor in all nations. The wars in Europe during the period were ended by the multiple treaties that were signed in 1648.
Reformation
The Protestant Reformation had a major impact in changing Europe. Important to note is the fact that this reformation directly divided Western Christianity. This reshaped Europe’s religious and political values. It influenced the perception people had to things and to a large extent, altered the culture the people had during the time. Initially, the Protestant Reformation changed the views people had on Faith. Instead of the single monolithic approach that people were accustomed to, the change resulted to the competing creed (Cole and Symes, 358).
The Protestant Reformation witnessed a number of leaders try to air their views. Despite this, most of them failed and with Martin Luther and John Calvin succeeding where others had failed. According to Luther, his success was boosted by the fact that he was different from the previous reformers. Whereas the previous reformers put their emphasis on attacking the church’s corrupt practices, Luther sought to address the root of the problem (the doctrine of grace and redemption). This approach was shared similar to the one used by John Calvin in addressing the issue. Luther is known to have attacked the church’s indulgence system. He further stressed on the fact that the pope lacked the authority over purgatory, arguing that the doctrine of merits lacked a relevant foundation in the gospel. The direct approach ensured the two succeeded where others failed.
Reformation attempts by the Roman Catholic Church commenced in the 16th century. In order to reduce the negative perspective, the church had created the clergy’s moral and educational standards were raised. This was crucial in inspiring a renewed zeal. The papacies were the chief agents in ensuring the church’s lost dignity was restored.
Works cited
Cole, J, and C. Symes. Western civilizations: Their history & their culture. 18th ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2013. Print.
