Question

between 30% and 60% of the population of europe was decimated in the mid-1300s by

a. an outbreak of small pox.
b. an epidemic of tuberculosis.
c. the bubonic plague.
d. the spanish flu.

Explanation:

Identify the historical event

Using the Black Death and Medieval Pandemics knowledge points

• The mid-1300s (specifically 1347–1351) marked the peak of the Black Death in Europe.
• This pandemic was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, resulting in the Bubonic Plague.
• It is estimated to have killed 30% to 60% of Europe's total population.

Evaluate the incorrect options

Using the Medieval Pandemics knowledge point

• Smallpox outbreaks occurred throughout history but did not decimate 30–60% of Europe in the mid-1300s.
• Tuberculosis was a chronic endemic disease rather than a sudden mid-1300s pandemic of this scale.
• The Spanish Flu occurred much later, from 1918 to 1920.

Answer:

• A. an outbreak of small pox.
• B. an epidemic of tuberculosis.
• C. the Bubonic Plague. (Correct answer)
• D. the Spanish Flu.