The Poor Dbq

Throughout the constant changes of Europe’s social climate from 1400 to 1700, the issue of “the poor” still remained. It had continued over centuries, and still affects the world to this day. However, the attitudes and responses towards them have fluctuated due to factors such as religion, class distinctions, and governmental action.

Charles V’s statement provides one insight as to the response to the poor. He says that upon necessity, poor should have aid according to the “glory of God.” Religion was not only the most impacting social being during 1400-1700, but also played a huge role with the poor. Sermons, said to call listeners, encouraged people to give to the poor. As a Catholic priest says, it is not only an obligation, but money is

not worth anything in the afterlife. [Document 1] This aid to the poor from religion continued over centuries, despite vast changes in the religious powers with the Reformation, Catholics maintained their ideas of help, as shown by Vincent de Paul. In a speech, he proclaims the need for generosity. [Document 10] He does, too, include the benefits of alms giving in sainthood.
The most eminent reason for attitudes towards the poor is class distinction.

Especially during this time period when Europe was staunchly divided into classes, it was difficult to break apart form the stigma of being poor. Even as new ideas with humanism were merging, the separation was clear, as shown by some Humanist’s writing. Vives says that the poor are “driven” to robbery and other detestable behavior. This educated, possibly liberal-minded man describes the most negative behaviors, yet concedes that those of his class cannot understand their motivations. [Document 3] Another part of class is how upper classes felt a duty towards the poor. A doctor of the 16th century talked about his offerings of help. However, he admits to not performing after judging that the poor often would rather be idle than work honestly. [Document 6] Because of his hard working ethics as a doctor, he feels he has the class privilege to judge those poor. Again, with the humanist Vives; he later remarks on the worthiness of poor people for charity. Over a century and a half later, a wealthy merchant writes to his kids about the benefits of a poor lifestyle. [Document 11] He judges their behavior as a choice, and form his wealthy class point of view, may be

jealous.
Other groups felt the need to have judgemental attitudes towards the poor, including governmental bodies. Although a 15th century town council seeks a quick fix to their poor problem, later governments were not as pressed for desperate solutions. [Document 2] For instance, a French town council later precautions the village to consider the poor person’s desires, abilities, and willingness to work before removing them from town. [Document 5] As time progresses, the Europeans developed more and more regulations regarding the poor. People working at a poor house, who were worn by their working environment, set up specific lashings for punishments. [Document 7] Later, in the tradition of judgement, a royal councillor Richelieu urges Kingdom rules in regard to poor folk. [Document 8] Again, the government influence attitudes toward the poor immensely, as with Charles II. He said too much begging could only expand problems. [Document 4]
Helping the poor and having a suspicious, yet giving attitudes towards them was a social custom during this time frame. Even artwork of the 17th century depicted the modest scene of giving alms to a poor family. [Document 9] What has become a moral issues today was previously an issue encountered by various groups for various reasons.