Surviving laborers demanded higher wages for the increased amount of work that was expected of them but the contracting interests generally refused. This led to peasant revolts in England, France, and Italy. This gradually led to ecclesiastical and political turmoil as neither church or government officials were able to answer the question, thus civil instability resulted. Some blamed poisoned wells which naturally needs a culprit. Jews were blamed in many areas, which precipitated racial instability.
Brutish thugs infected with the plaque threaten to break into homes unless bribed.
Agriculture comes to a halt with crops withering and cattle roaming. No food and threats of harm often created panic. Many people lived in constant fear since no one knew what was causing the plague or how to stop it. All methods failed except time.