Question

What were the approaches taken by Londoners to combat the spread of the plague generally perceived as?

a) Generally worthless or made matters worse.
b) Surprisingly advanced considering their primitive knowledge of medicine.
c) Effective in single cases but not against an epidemic.
d) Would have been successful if plague doctors had been allowed to practice without restrictions.

Answer 1

Londoners' approaches to combat the spread of the plague were generally perceived as worthless or made matters worse. They lacked the understanding of germ theory and relied on ineffective methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the medieval period, Londoners took various approaches to combat the spread of the plague. However, these approaches were generally perceived as generally worthless or made matters worse. Despite efforts such as quarantine, travel restrictions, closure of markets, and removal of the infected to plague hospitals, cities remained hotbeds of infection. Medical practitioners, lacking a germ theory of contagion, were unable to fully explain or remedy the plague.

Furthermore, there were beliefs that the plague was a divine punishment or caused by atmospheric conditions. Certain groups, such as foreign travelers and marginalized populations, were scapegoated. The scapegoating also led to the persecution of Jewish people, who were falsely accused of poisoning wells.

In conclusion, the approaches taken by Londoners to combat the spread of the plague were generally seen as ineffective and even worsened the situation, as they lacked the understanding of germ theory and relied on various ineffective methods.