Famine

Chapter 12: The Crisis of the Later Middle Ages Prelude to Disaster Agricultural Crisis In the early fourteenth century severe weather damaged crops, leading to famine (1315–1322). Poor nutrition increased susceptibility to disease and facilitated epidemics (for example, typhoid). Social consequences of famines and epidemics included depopulation of some areas, a volatile land market, and unstable international trade. Government measures, such as price controls, were ineffective. The starving scapegoated and attacked Jews, lepers, and the wealthy. The Black Death Arrival in Europe and Spread Genoese ships brought the plague to Italy in 1347. From there it spread to southern Germany, France, and then England. Pathology and Care