The World the Plague Made

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The catastrophic plague of 1346, known as the Black Death, not only decimated Europe's population but also catalyzed a remarkable cultural and economic transformation. James Belich explores how this tragedy led to increased disposable incomes and heightened demand for luxury goods, driving Europe's expansion and innovation. The scarcity of labor accelerated the adoption of new technologies, such as water and wind power, while a unique "crew culture" emerged. Belich situates Europe's rise within a broader global context, highlighting the concurrent flourishing of empires in the Middle East and Russia.