1.
In which year did the Black Death first reach England?
Correct Answer
C. 1348
Explanation
The Black Death first reached England in 1348. This deadly epidemic, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, originated in Central Asia and spread through fleas that infested rats. It quickly spread across Europe, causing immense devastation and wiping out a significant portion of the population. The year 1348 is historically significant as it marks the beginning of the Black Death's devastating impact on England, leading to widespread death and social upheaval.
2.
What is another name for the Black Death?
Correct Answer
A. Bubonic Plague
Explanation
The Black Death is another name for the Bubonic Plague. This deadly disease was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and spread through fleas that infested rats. It caused widespread devastation in Europe during the 14th century, resulting in the deaths of millions of people. The term "bubonic" refers to the characteristic swollen lymph nodes or "buboes" that are a hallmark symptom of the disease.
3.
The plague originally spread from where?
Correct Answer
B. Asia
Explanation
The plague originally spread from Asia. This is because the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, first emerged in the 14th century in Central Asia and then spread along trade routes to other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The disease was carried by fleas that infested rats, which were common on merchant ships and spread the infection to new areas. The plague caused devastating pandemics, resulting in the deaths of millions of people across continents.
4.
How was the Black Death spread?
Correct Answer
B. By fleas
Explanation
The Black Death was spread by fleas. Fleas that infested rats carried the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which caused the disease. When an infected rat died, the fleas would seek out new hosts, including humans. The fleas would bite humans and transmit the bacteria, leading to the spread of the Black Death. This is why the disease was particularly rampant in areas with high rat populations, such as urban areas with poor sanitation.
5.
The fleas were carried by which creatures?
Correct Answer
A. Black rats
Explanation
Black rats are known carriers of fleas. Fleas are ectoparasites that infest animals, including rats. They can transmit diseases such as bubonic plague, murine typhus, and Lyme disease. Black rats are particularly associated with the bubonic plague, as they were the primary carriers of the fleas that spread the disease during the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the fleas mentioned in the question were carried by black rats.
6.
What were buboes that gave Bubonic Plague its name?
Correct Answer
B. Large dark swellings
Explanation
Buboes were large dark swellings that formed on the body during the Bubonic Plague. These swellings were typically found in the groin, armpit, or neck regions and were a characteristic symptom of the disease. The term "bubonic" is derived from the Greek word "boubon," meaning groin, which refers to the location of these painful and swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, the presence of these large dark swellings on the body gave the Bubonic Plague its name.
7.
What percentage of Britain's population is thought to have died from the plague?
Correct Answer
C. 33-50%
Explanation
During the 14th century, the Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, spread throughout Britain. It is estimated that this devastating disease caused a mortality rate of 33-50% in the country. This means that approximately one-third to half of Britain's population perished due to the plague. The high death toll had a significant impact on the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the country, leading to a decline in population and major changes in society.
8.
What did many believe about the Black Death?
Correct Answer
A. It was a punishment from God for their sins
Explanation
During the time of the Black Death, many people believed that the plague was a punishment from God for their sins. This belief was rooted in the religious and superstitious beliefs of the time, as people struggled to understand the devastating impact of the disease. They saw the widespread death and suffering as a divine retribution for their immoral behavior and sought repentance and redemption to appease God. This belief in divine punishment helped shape the social and cultural responses to the Black Death, including the rise of religious movements and practices aimed at seeking forgiveness and salvation.
9.
Things were made worse by pneumonic plague that attacked what?
Correct Answer
D. The lungs
Explanation
The correct answer is the lungs. Pneumonic plague is a severe and highly contagious form of the plague that primarily affects the respiratory system, specifically the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted through droplets in the air. The infection causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, pneumonic plague can be fatal.
10.
Once the 1348 plague died out, which was not true?
Correct Answer
A. No people were left over the age of 21
Explanation
After the 1348 plague died out, it is not true that no people were left over the age of 21. The statement suggests that everyone over the age of 21 died during the plague, which is incorrect. While the plague did cause a significant loss of life, it did not wipe out an entire age group. Some people would have survived the plague and remained over the age of 21.