In the passage, "maladies" refers to diseases or illnesses. The context indicates that European explorers and settlers brought new diseases to North America, which had devastating effects on the native populations who had no prior exposure to these illnesses.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of what came to be called the New World. Other explorers and settlers soon followed Columbus from Europe, many seeking gold and riches. These colonists brought many things with them from Europe, introducing new plants and animals to North America. They also brought several European maladies. The natives of North America had never before been exposed to these strange new diseases. As a result, many became very ill and died. We don't know the full effect that the Europeans had on the native populations. However, many historians believe that up to ninety-five percent of native populations died as a result.
What is the meaning of maladies as used in the passage?
1 answer