Poverty in Europe Dbq

Poverty in Europe DBQ

Between the years of 1450 to 1700, was a time of change, a time of rebirth, a time of poverty in Europe. The majority of people, to be exact, 80% of the population had to survive on the minimum amount of food and shelter to sustain life. Yet those who were getting by had attitudes towards the poor that consisted of: the poor are deserving, the poor are unworthy of help, and some didn’t know what to do with the poor therefore, they had mixed-ideas. What had the potential to make all the difference, was the way that these people responded to the incessant issues of the poor. Some took the dilemma and decided out of the kindness of their heart to donate or provide help, yet on the other hand, others decided it was not their duty to help them but to get rid of them. A last response towards what to do with the poor, was those who had mixed ideas and thought the poor should have their basic needs met, yet refused to have sympathy for their circumstances.

Some of the people decided that just because the poor have no money and well-being, they are deserving and so, would receive support. The source of the Catholic Priest in document one believed in this theory, that the poor should be given alms. This Catholic priest had a responsibility to teach the faithful to sacrifice as part of the doctrine of the Catholic church, therefore, it is likely that he expects money for the poor. In document eight, the Catholic Priest Vincent de Paul, was certain that the poor should be looked after and assisted in every way possible. Because he was working on moving up the ranks, becoming a bishop, then a saint, Vincent de Paul had intentions to do whatever it took, to look after the poor. Rembrandt van Rijn’s painting that was painted in 1648, depicts a man willingly giving to the poor, which was not a common piece of artwork, but Rijn’s perspective on helping the needy. The end of the 30 years war caused major damage in many aspects of society hence, the beggar in the painting felt the obligation to give to the poor. The time period of the 1400’s to the 1700’s included many religious disputes and wars such as the 30 years war which was was one of the longest, most destructive conflicts in European history. On top of famine, and economic dislocation this war added distraught and was a factor in Europe’s poverty.

Another view on what to do with the needy was that it is not anyone’s job to look out for the poor besides the poor, the people thought the poor were lazy, undeserving, and wanted to get rid of them. Emperor Charles V believed that if the poor wanted food they’ll find away, because he was not going to help them, and their “wicked idleness”. Charles V was more concerned with expanding his empire, therefore he wasn’t interested in being the poor’s helping hand. The town council of Dijon France thought of the poor as begging creatures and did as much as they could

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