AD 1493–1550s: Native peoples begin dying from European diseases

Diseases unknown to them spread rapidly among Native peoples, who lack immunity to viruses and bacteria carried by Europeans. As Native peoples travel waterways by canoe to trade and share news, they unknowingly take the germs to neighboring tribes. Measles, mumps, chickenpox, smallpox, diphtheria, influenza, pneumonia, typhoid, and the common cold reach Florida and Cuba and begin their deadly march through populations across the hemisphere.

Theme

Epidemics

Region

California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest