What was the effect of smallpox on the New World?

Question

Smallpox caused the death of many European colonizers
Smallpox caused the deaths of many Indigenous people
Smallpox had no effect on the New World
Smallpox did not affect people in either Europe or the Americas

Answer 1

The correct answer is: Smallpox caused the deaths of many Indigenous people.

Smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases brought to the New World by European colonizers, and it had a catastrophic impact on Indigenous populations. The Indigenous peoples had no prior exposure to the virus and thus lacked immunity, leading to widespread outbreaks and high mortality rates. It is estimated that smallpox, along with other diseases, contributed to the dramatic decline of Indigenous populations in the Americas following European contact.