Introduction
The Little Ice Age is a historical period from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The documentary “Little Ice Age: Big Chill” explores the climate changes that took place during this period and their impact on European societies. During this era, temperatures dropped significantly, affecting the global population. This paper will examine the effects of the Little Ice Age, what was done to tackle the agricultural crisis, and how climate change impacted economic and political development after 1500.
The Effects of the Little Ice Age on Society
The societies in Europe were significantly affected by the Little Ice Age in many ways. The most significant negative consequence was the agricultural crisis. Changes in the average temperature led to crop failures due to the shortening of growing seasons (Rathnakumar, 2021). As a result, famines became more frequent, with the populations suffering from malnourishment (Rathnakumar, 2021). Food scarcity contributed to a decline in population: the Great Famine caused over 1.5 million deaths in Europe (Rathnakumar, 2021). Parents were also often forced to abandon their children to conserve food for themselves and other adults (Rathnakumar, 2021).
Another effect of the Little Ice Age was mass hysteria and witch hunts: more than 50 thousand people were killed due to being accused of causing bad weather through witchcraft (Rathnakumar, 2021). Some countries, such as Ireland in 1845, went through catastrophic famines, resulting in the deaths of a large percentage of the population (Rathnakumar, 2021). The Vikings, who came to Greenland thinking it was a paradise for animals, were forced to keep livestock indoors, which led to its disappearance. Overall, climate change had a devastating impact on all European societies.
Strategies for Addressing the Agricultural Crisis
Societies tried to solve the agricultural crisis in several ways. One of the main strategies was the diversification of crops. Various new crops better suited for colder weather were introduced during the Little Ice Age. This did not happen instantly, but agriculture was adapting slowly, with new grains being introduced and agricultural practices transforming (Rathnakumar, 2021).
Farmers started growing oats and barley more; harvesting schedules were also altered according to the changes in climate (Rathnakumar, 2021). Livestock breeds also started changing, with breeds more resistant to cold being preferred (Rathnakumar, 2021). Another vital measure introduced by many populations is the changes in the food preservation system. New methods of preserving food throughout the year were invented.
Economic and Political Impacts of Climate Change Post-1500
The Little Ice Age had an effect on the political and economic development of Europe after the 1500s as well. In particular, colder waters in the North Atlantic hindered the exploration and further colonization of the Americas. Moreover, the documentary also mentions that annihilating the Spanish Armada and the French Revolution can also be tied to climate change (Rathnakumar, 2021). The French Revolution, for example, occurred as a result of widespread famines caused by crop failures. The majority of the political and economic events of the time can be explained by climate factors in one way or another.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Little Ice Age shaped the development of many parts of the world, particularly Europe. The agricultural crisis devastated Europe and led to millions of deaths, both directly and indirectly, resulting from climate change. Societies slowly adapted to the crisis, introducing new practices and crops. Many historical events of that period can be tied to the consequences of the Little Ice Age.
Reference
Rathnakumar, S. (2021). Little ice age: Big chill (2005) [Video]. YouTube. Web.