Vivek's+Sexy+DBQ+4

DBQ #5 The attitudes of “the poor” from 1450 to 1700 in Europe were mixed, ranging from a disliked attitude to an understanding attitude. “The poor” to some people were seen as filthy, savage freeloaders, but some understood the situation the poor were in. In Document 1, a Catholic priest in a sermon states “whoever gives a penny…worth 240 pennies,” which shows that this priest understood the situation the poor were in. The French Catholic priest’s (from the fifteenth century) attitude was understanding. The point of view of the priest can be trusted, since he states the truth and does not try to make money off the sermon, making him not corrupt. Document 1 draws parallels to Document 2, in which a resolution from a French town council in 1482, states that the poor will need to be “cared for as much as possible.” The resolution sees the poor as “begging creatures” but the resolution understands the situation of the poor. The resolution is stating that “we will rent at a city’s cost a barn,” demonstrating how the city is spending their own money to “put them for the night” under shelter. Documents 1 and 2 link to Document 3, in which a humanist from Spain, Juan Luis Vives, in 1526, writes of how the poor would look toward “robbery…theft…brothels…sorcery” for money. Juan Luis Vives writes of how he thinks the poor should receive money to keep them from doing these things. He understands that the poor’s situation will lead them into these bad acts. Juan Luis Vives’ point of view is acceptable since he is a humanist, so he understands the poor’s circumstances. Once again Documents 1, 2, and 3 can be linked to Document 4, in which Emperor Charles V from Imperial decree for Netherlands in 1531 states “those who are poor and sick…should receive food and sustenance.” This demonstrates Emperor Charles V’s understanding of the poor’s situation, and how food and alms should only be given to the hard-working poor. These documents relate to Document 10, in which Vincent De Paul, a Catholic priest states that “we must assist the poor…see that they are helped in every possible way.” This demonstrates the Catholic priest’s understanding of the poor’s situation. In Document 9, a picture is showed of a priest giving alms to the poor. This exhibits the priest’s understanding the poor’s circumstances, and how the poor need to feed their loved ones. While many understood the poor’s situation, many had a mixed attitude toward the poor. In Document 5 of a town council’s meeting minutes in Rouen, France in 1542, it states that “those unwilling to work should indeed be expelled from the city, but those who are simply unable to find work should not be treated thus.” This demonstrates the city’s dislike attitude toward the freeloading poor, and their understanding attitude toward the hard working poor. This draws parallels to Document 6, in which William Turner, a English doctor in 1555, stated that he offered to heal the poor who asked for alms, but the poor had rather have the money than their health. William Turner from Document 6 writes of how he understands the sick poor’s situation, but has the disliked attitude toward them for only accepting money and not health. The point of view of William Turner can be trusted since he was informative, and not persuasive. He took both sides of the stories. Also there were many disliked attitudes toward the poor. In Document 7, in which Poorhouse regulations of Suffolk county of England in 1588, states that “all unruly and stubborn” poor should be given “heavier shackles, a thinner diet, and harder labor.” This demonstrates the opposite of giving to the poor, and the disliked attitude of this county toward the poor. This links to Document 8, in which Cardinal Richielieu, a royal councilor from France in 1625 states the poor should be treated different with regulations and rules. This cardinal sees the poor as savage and he dislikes them since they are freeloaders. This shares the same idea as Document 11, in which Jean Maillefer, a wealthy merchant states the poor are used to receiving money and have no worries. This demonstrates his dislike towards the poor. His point of view cannot be trusted since he is wealthy and does not understand the poor’s situation. The documents given were helpful, but some additional documents would have helped such as a poor man’s perspective of receiving alms and money from others. Another additional document could be a middle class person stating how the church is taking the poor’s money by making the poor believe they can pay off their sins. Another additional document would be a Catholic priest stating how the corruption of the church is affecting the poor.