Great Plague

Definition

The Great Plague refers to the devastating outbreak of bubonic plague that struck London in 1665-1666, resulting in the death of approximately 100,000 people, which was about a quarter of the city's population at the time. This catastrophic event significantly influenced the social, cultural, and literary landscape of the Restoration Period, leading to changes in attitudes towards public health and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Plague was part of a larger pattern of plague outbreaks in Europe, with previous significant outbreaks occurring in the 14th century and later in various regions.
2. Many people believed that the Great Plague was a punishment from God or a result of witchcraft, leading to widespread fear and superstition during this time.
3. The outbreak prompted measures such as quarantines and closures of public spaces, which would shape future public health policies in England.
4. Literary works from this period often reflected themes of death and despair, influenced by the societal impacts of the plague.
5. The Great Plague ended in 1666, shortly before the Great Fire of London, which further changed the city's landscape and its rebuilding efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Plague influence societal attitudes toward public health during the Restoration Period?
  • The Great Plague forced society to confront issues surrounding public health for the first time on a large scale. As fear spread due to high mortality rates, people began to understand the importance of sanitation and medical care. The drastic measures taken during the outbreak, such as quarantines and isolation, laid the groundwork for more systematic approaches to public health that would develop in later years.
• In what ways did literature from the Restoration Period reflect the societal impact of the Great Plague?
  • Literature during the Restoration Period was heavily influenced by the trauma and existential themes stemming from the Great Plague. Authors began to explore human vulnerability and mortality, incorporating motifs of death and despair into their works. This shift can be seen in both poetry and prose, where characters often grappled with loss and fear, reflecting a society deeply affected by epidemic events.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Plague on London’s urban development and public health policy.
  • The Great Plague had significant long-term effects on London’s urban development and public health policies. Following this tragedy, there was a heightened awareness of sanitation needs, leading to better infrastructure for waste disposal and clean water. The eventual rebuilding of London after the Great Fire also incorporated these lessons, emphasizing planning that would accommodate healthier living conditions. These developments ultimately contributed to modern public health practices that emerged in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Bubonic Plague: A highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through fleas that lived on rats; it is characterized by swollen lymph nodes or 'buboes'.

Quarantine: A strict isolation imposed on individuals or groups to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, particularly relevant during outbreaks like the Great Plague.

Restoration:

The period following the English Civil War when Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, marking a return to monarchy and significant cultural changes in England.