Question

question 9 of 10

based on the graph, which period of european history could best be described as population growth before the black death?

a. 1300 - 1400
b. 1400 - 1500
c. 1200 - 1300
d. 1600 - 1700

Explanation:

Identify the target event and its timeline

The question asks to identify the period of European history that represents "population growth before the Black Death" based on the provided line graph.

First, we locate the marker labeled "Start of the Black Death" on the graph. This marker is placed at the peak of the population curve, which occurs around the year \(1340\) to \(1350\) (historically, the Black Death arrived in Europe in \(1347\)).

Analyze the population trend prior to the Black Death

To find the period of growth leading up to this event, we look at the segment of the graph to the left of the "Start of the Black Death" marker (before the mid-14th century).

From the year \(1000\) to approximately \(1340\), the red line shows a steady upward trend, indicating continuous population growth.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

Let's evaluate each option to see which one represents a period of growth occurring entirely before the start of the plague:

• A. 1300 – 1400: This period includes the peak (around \(1340\)) and the sharp decline immediately following the start of the Black Death. Thus, it does not represent growth before the Black Death.
• B. 1400 – 1500: This period shows the population recovering and growing after the sharp decline caused by the Black Death.
• C. 1200 – 1300: This century lies entirely before the marked "Start of the Black Death" (mid-14th century). Looking at the graph, the line rises steadily from about \(68\) million in \(1200\) to about \(78\) million in \(1300\). This perfectly represents population growth before the plague.
• D. 1600 – 1700: This period is centuries after the Black Death.

Using our Historical Thinking Skills and Chronological Analysis, we determine that the interval from \(1200\) to \(1300\) is the correct period of growth prior to the outbreak.

Answer:

• (A) 1300 - 1400
• (B) 1400 - 1500
• (C) 1200 - 1300 (Correct answer)
• (D) 1600 - 1700