1770 1772 Russian plague

Plague in Moscow 1771.jpg Depiction of the plague in Moscow, 1771

1770 1772 Russian plague Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia

The 1770–1772 Russian Plague was a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague that occurred in the Russian Empire, primarily affecting the city of Moscow. This epidemic is considered one of the last major outbreaks of plague in Europe and had significant social, economic, and political consequences.

Background

The bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is typically transmitted through the bites of infected fleas that live on rodents. The disease can also spread through direct contact with infected tissues or inhalation of respiratory droplets from a person or animal with pneumonic plague.

The 1770–1772 outbreak in Russia was part of a series of plague epidemics that had affected Europe since the Black Death in the 14th century. By the 18th century, the frequency of plague outbreaks had diminished, but the disease still posed a significant threat.

Outbreak and Spread

The plague is believed to have been introduced to Moscow in 1770, possibly through infected soldiers returning from the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774). The disease spread rapidly in the densely populated city, exacerbated by poor sanitation and crowded living conditions.

By 1771, the epidemic had reached its peak, with thousands of deaths reported weekly. The Russian government, under the rule of Catherine the Great, struggled to contain the outbreak. Measures such as quarantine, isolation of the sick, and the burning of contaminated materials were implemented, but these efforts were often met with resistance from the population.

Social and Economic Impact

The plague had a profound impact on Moscow and the surrounding regions. The city's economy was severely disrupted, with trade and commerce coming to a halt. Many residents fled the city, leading to a labor shortage and further economic decline.

The epidemic also led to social unrest. In September 1771, a riot known as the Plague Riot broke out in Moscow, fueled by public anger over the quarantine measures and the perceived ineffectiveness of the authorities. The riot was eventually suppressed by the military, but it highlighted the tensions between the government and the populace.

Government Response

Catherine the Great appointed Grigory Orlov to oversee the response to the plague. Orlov implemented stricter quarantine measures, established new hospitals, and improved sanitation in the city. These efforts, along with the natural decline of the epidemic, eventually brought the outbreak under control by 1772.

Aftermath

The 1770–1772 Russian Plague had lasting effects on public health policy in Russia. The government recognized the need for better urban planning and sanitation to prevent future outbreaks. The epidemic also contributed to the development of modern public health practices, including the establishment of quarantine zones and the use of isolation hospitals.

Also see

• Black Death
• Plague Riot
• Catherine the Great
• Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774)
• Yersinia pestis