Little Ice Age

Little Ice Age:

London's River Thames, frozen over in 1677

During the period from 1560 to 1850 Western Europe experienced a cooling of the climate that impacted all aspects of society, especially health. Famine was a major cause of death during this time because the cold temperatures affected agricultural production. The weather shortened growing seasons by 1 to 2 months during the coldest parts leading to malnutrition. The height and stature of Europeans was directly correlated with temperature. Average height dropped almost an inch during this period and did not increase until after temperatures rose again. The cool, wet environment led to the emergence of a variety of diseases including one called St. Anthony's Fire. It also aggravated the influenza epidemic and bubonic plague. It took a long time for Europe to build up their population and economy after the devastation of the Little Ice Age.