Why did most settlers recover from diseases such as measles and smallpox, while those same diseases wiped out significantly large portions of Native American communities?(4 points)

do NOT use sources.

1 answer

1. One reason for the difference in outcomes could be attributed to genetics and immunity. Settlers from Europe may have had exposure to similar diseases in the past, building up some level of immunity through generations. Native American populations, on the other hand, may not have had the same exposure to these diseases and therefore had weaker immune responses.

2. Another factor could be hygiene and living conditions. Settlers likely had better access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care, which would have helped in recovery from diseases. Native American communities may have had more crowded living conditions and less access to clean water and medical resources, making it easier for diseases to spread and have more severe impacts.

3. The arrival of European settlers may have also introduced new strains of diseases to Native American populations, which they had never encountered before. This lack of previous exposure and immunity could have led to more severe outbreaks and higher mortality rates.

4. Lastly, the psychological and social impact of colonization could have contributed to the vulnerability of Native American communities to diseases. Displacement, loss of cultural practices, and disruption of social structures could have weakened the overall health and resilience of these communities, making them more susceptible to diseases.