How did plague and war contribute to the West's prosperity?

  • Thread starter wolram
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In summary: However, it does seem that there is a good case to be made for an Ebola-like virus as the cause of the Black Death. In summary, the plague may not have killed indiscriminately, and there may be a good case to be made for an Ebola-like virus as the cause of the Black Death.
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  • #2
The plague did not kill indiscriminately.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/01/29/2149185.htm?site=science&topic=tech

Quote
Anthropologists Dr Sharon DeWitte, of the University at Albany in New York and Pennsylvania State University's Professor James Wood say many perfectly healthy people were killed by the plague.

However, writing in the latest Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they say those already in poor health before the pandemic were more likely to have perished.

"A lot of people have assumed the Black Death killed indiscriminately, just because it had such massive mortality," DeWitte says.

"There's been a tradition of thinking that the Black Death was this unique case where no one was safe and if you were exposed to the disease that was it.


Alternative explanations

http://www.bambooweb.com/articles/b/l/Black_Death.html

Quote.
Recently the scientists Susan Scott and Christopher Duncan from Liverpool University have proposed the theory that the Black Death might have been caused by an Ebola-like virus, not a bacterium. Their rationale is that this plague spread much faster and the incubation period was much longer than the plagues caused by Yersinia pestis. (A longer period of incubation will allow carriers of the infection to travel farther and infect more people than a shorter one. When the primary vector is humans, as opposed to birds, this is of great importance.) Studies of English church-records indicate an unusually long incubation period in excess of 30 days which could account for the rapid spread, topping at 5 km/day. It also took place in completely ratless areas like Iceland. It was transferred between humans (which happens rarely with Yersinia pestis), and some genes that determine immunity to Ebola-like viruses are much more widespread in Europe than in other parts of the world.
 
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  • #3
I have seen the genetic study that does verify your post. I can't post a link, because its a subscription from my place of work.
 

1. What is the history of plague war and prosperity?

The history of plague war and prosperity dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded plague outbreak occurring in Egypt in 1350 BC. Throughout history, plagues have caused widespread devastation and death, leading to wars and economic downturns. However, after each plague, there has been a period of prosperity and growth as societies rebuilt and adapted to prevent future outbreaks.

2. How do plagues affect societies?

Plagues have a significant impact on societies, both in the short and long term. They often lead to high death tolls, disrupt economies, and cause social and political unrest. Plagues also have long-lasting effects on cultural norms and behaviors, as societies adapt to prevent future outbreaks.

3. What role do wars play in the spread of plagues?

Wars can act as a catalyst for the spread of plagues, as large numbers of people are displaced and forced into crowded and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, warfare can weaken healthcare systems and infrastructure, making it more difficult to control and contain outbreaks. However, wars can also lead to advancements in medicine and public health measures to prevent and treat plagues.

4. How do societies recover from plagues?

The recovery process from a plague outbreak is complex and can take years or even decades. It often involves rebuilding infrastructure, implementing new public health measures, and addressing economic and social repercussions. Societies may also undergo cultural shifts, such as increased focus on hygiene and healthcare, to prevent future outbreaks.

5. Can plagues lead to economic prosperity?

While plagues initially cause economic downturns, they can also lead to long-term economic prosperity. After the Black Death in Europe, for example, there was a significant increase in wages for laborers and a decline in feudalism. Similarly, after the Spanish Flu pandemic in the 1920s, there was a shift towards more government involvement in healthcare and social welfare, leading to economic growth and stability.

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