Journal of the Plague Weeks

During homeschool next year we will be learning Modern History with a focus on America. In order to get ready for the year, I decided we should do some "pre-learning" about what might have been a catalyst for European Expansion into the United States. One of many factors was likely the ongoing bubonic plague and black death episodes, especially the London Plaque of 1665.

I have found learning about the plaque particularly fascinating. Probably more so then the kids. APD has actually had to lie down after reading some of the plague books, claiming they make him feel like puking. RMD usually really likes gross stuff, especially having to do with animals and the human body. So, I thought the plague would be right up her alley. It was, I think, until she realized that my saying "Hey, let's watch a netflix" in the middle of the day really translates as "Let's learn something here", after which I would put on one or another fascinating video - this one included - The Scourge of the Black Death.

Anyway, I felt the desire to learn more. Did you know that the plague still exists in the United States? See the CDC website. Also in the book Rats by Robert Sullivan , I found out that there are currently more animals carrying the plague in the United States now then there were in Europe during the Black Death period of 1348.

Well to end it, APD is supposed to write a paper on the plague - he might have already done it. RMD is reading and actually enjoying some historical fiction about the 1665 London Plague - At The Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper. It's a good book - also contains alot of information about herbalism and wildcrafting. To wrap it up for myself, I am going to read Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year.