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How far do you agree that government responses to plague were more effective in the period 1500–1750 than the period 1250–1500? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
How far do you agree that government responses to plague were more effective in the period 1500–1750 than the period 1250–1500? Give reasons for your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How far do you agree that government responses to plague were more effective in the period 1500–1750 than the period 1250–1500? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do you agree that government responses to plague were more effective in the period 1500–1750 than the period 1250–1500?
Answer
To address the question, it is essential to examine both periods, 1250–1500 and 1500–1750, in terms of governmental responses to plague outbreaks.
Government Responses in 1250–1500
During this period, responses to plague were largely rudimentary. Governments were often overwhelmed by the scale of the outbreaks, especially during events like the Black Death. Measures included quarantine in some urban centers, but there was little understanding of disease transmission. This led to inconsistent and often ineffective policies. Moreover, many of the responses were reactive rather than proactive.
Government Responses in 1500–1750
In contrast, the 1500–1750 period saw a significant evolution in governmental strategies. By this time, countries like England and France began to implement more structured public health measures, informed somewhat by the lessons learned from earlier epidemics. The establishment of more systematic quarantine laws and the development of public health boards marked progress. Additionally, there was a growing understanding of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in controlling disease spread.
Comparison of Effectiveness
The effectiveness of governmental responses can be gauged by the handling of outbreaks. In the later period, the establishment of broader public awareness campaigns regarding hygiene and sanitation contributed significantly to managing plague outbreaks. While the early responses were often chaotic and ineffective, the later period showed a more organized approach, implying a higher degree of effectiveness.
In conclusion, I agree that government responses to plague were more effective in the period 1500–1750 than in 1250–1500 due to advancements in understanding public health and more structured governmental interventions.