Evaluate the reasons why Jews were often blamed for the Black Death.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the reasons why the Jews were blamed for the Black Death. These reasons could include the fact that the Jewish populations suffered fewer deaths, largely because they were isolated in ghettos, the spreading of rumours that they had poisoned water supplies (rumours that were linked to the notion of an international Jewish conspiracy). Some candidates may argue that individual self-interest led many to blame the Jews, for example, those who sought to avoid payment of debts to Jewish money-lenders. It may also be argued that the authorities, to alleviate antagonism towards their inability to resolve the crisis, encouraged the belief that Jews had caused the Black Death. The confessions of some Jews lent credence to the rumours of responsibility. Answers must focus specifically on why Jews were blamed for the Black Death and not why there was a general anti-Semitic attitude, although that may be considered a significant contributory factor.