The primary way diseases traveled from Europe to the Americas was through the transportation of people, particularly European explorers, settlers, and traders, who brought with them various microbes to which indigenous populations had no immunity. This included diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza.
While it is true that some diseases could also be carried by animals and plants, the most significant spread of diseases occurred through human interaction. The second option regarding dogs is less significant in the overall context of disease transmission. The idea that diseases were intentionally carried to cause harm is not typically supported by historical evidence, as the transmission was largely unintentional. Additionally, Native Americans did not inadvertently transfer European diseases to one another; rather, the spread primarily originated from European contact.
In summary, the most accurate answer is that diseases were transported on plants, animals, and people in the form of microbes.
1 answer