Question

*a hectare is equivalent to roughly 2.5 acres

Source: Data adapted from Our World in Data, found online at
Which of the following best describes how the table illustrates the effect of the spread of the bubonic plague on the total amount of land devoted to the production of agricultural crops in Europe and the Middle East between 1300 and 1400 ?


A) The total amount of land devoted to the production of agricultural crops did not change significantly in either region.

B) The total amount of land devoted to the production of agricultural crops decreased more substantially in the Middle East than in Europe.

C) The total amount of land devoted to the production of agricultural crops declined substantially in Europe and slightly in the Middle East.

D) The total amount of land devoted to the production of agricultural crops increased slightly in the Middle East and in Europe.

Answer 1

The bubonic plague led to a decline in agricultural land use in Europe, as the population drastically decreased and survivors demanded better conditions. The Middle East saw a less substantial change in land use, influenced by different geographical and social factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the effect of the spread of the bubonic plague on the amount of land devoted to agricultural crops in Europe and the Middle East between 1300 and 1400. Based on the historical context provided, the bubonic plague significantly reduced the population in Europe, thereby decreasing the need and capacity for agricultural production. Consequently, Europe saw a decline in agricultural land use, as surviving peasants demanded better conditions and fewer people were available to maintain the land. In contrast, the Middle East experienced a different economic impact due to the plague, with changes in land use that were not as dramatic as in Europe. It is important to note that these changes in land use were also influenced by geography, social structure, and political institutions.