| Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 21M.3op4.HL.TZ0.4 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Europe) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 2: Muslims and Jews in medieval Europe (1095–1492)
Evaluate the role of the Black Death in the persecution of Jews in medieval Europe.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of the Black Death in the persecution of Jews in Medieval Europe. Candidates may refer to the denunciations against the Jewish communities regarding the poisoning of wells to infect the Christians and the belief in biblical, magical and astrological causes for the plague. Candidates may evaluate the cases of expulsions and attacks against Jews that led to the loss of their properties, the prohibition to exercise a number of professions and activities and the relocation of many Jewish communities ordered by European monarchs. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the various groups blamed for the plague like lepers, Romani, beggars, pilgrims, friars and foreigners, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Examiners report
The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the role of the Black Death in the persecution of Jews in Medieval Europe. Few responses were seen to this question. Candidates provided limited relevant knowledge in their responses to this question.
