The Myth of Smallpox Before European Arrival in North America

There are countless myths and misconceptions surrounding the health of Native Americans before European arrival in North America. One prominent myth discounts any instances of smallpox before its introduction by Europeans, while others make sweeping and harmful generalizations. This article aims to dispel these myths with accurate historical information and scientific understanding.

Smallpox Blankets: A Misleading Narrative

One of the most persistent myths is the 'smallpox blankets' hoard. This notion posits that the indigenous population of North America had never encountered smallpox before the arrival of Europeans, and thus, Europeans intentionally spread the disease by providing blankets contaminated with smallpox. This is a complete misconception, as there is no credible evidence to support this claim. Smallpox blankets causing an epidemic is a myth.

Historical Context and Scientific Basis

The indigenous population of the Americas was isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years, making them unaware of diseases that had already devastated populations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. As a result, the indigenous population did not have the natural immunity that Europeans possessed due to their prior exposure to smallpox. Once smallpox arrived, the disease spread rapidly among the native population due to this lack of immunity, leading to catastrophic losses.

Smallpox Outbreak in the Mandan Tribe

There was indeed a smallpox outbreak with the Mandan tribe in South Dakota. However, this was not the last or only instance. After the Mandan outbreak, vaccination efforts were indeed initiated by white Europeans, but this happened long after the initial spread of smallpox. The idea that all Indians were later vaccinated is an oversimplification of a complex historical period.

MYTH: Smallpox Was Widespread Before Europeans Arrived

It is a common misconception that smallpox was widespread among Native Americans before European contact. However, archaeological and historical evidence does not support this. The indigenous population did not experience widespread outbreaks of smallpox until the arrival of Europeans, who brought the disease with them through conquest and trade.

Smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly virus, spread rapidly through close human contact. The indigenous population, having no prior exposure, lacked the immunity to combat the disease. This resulted in high mortality rates, as can be evidenced by the dramatic decline in indigenous populations during the 16th and 17th centuries. The number of Native Americans dropped by 95% between 1500 and 1900 due to these diseases and subsequent conflicts.

The Columbian Exchange: Disease as a Consequence, Not Intent

The spread of diseases across the Americas, known as the Columbian Exchange, is one of the darkest episodes in human history. However, it is important to recognize that this was not an intentional act of biological warfare. Europeans of the time did not fully understand the mechanisms of disease transmission. Beliefs in miasma theory, the idea that disease was spread by bad smells, predominated.

While there are isolated incidents and theories of germ warfare, such as the suggestion that the British may have wished to distribute diseased blankets during the Seven Years War, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Historians and scholars now widely disbelieve these narratives, finding them based more on fiction than fact.

Facts vs. Fiction: The Seven Years War and Contaminated Blankets

There is one often cited but largely discredited incident during the Seven Years War (1756-1763) in which a letter discussed the distribution of contaminated blankets. However, this appears to be a postscript and does not provide any proof of actual implementation. The idea that the US government deliberately spread smallpox or other diseases through contaminated blankets is a false narrative perpetuated by misinformation and biased historical accounts.

The reality is that the spread of disease in the Americas was a byproduct of the Columbian Exchange rather than a targeted strategy. While the consequences were devastating, it is vital to understand and accurately recount the historical context of these events.

Conclusion

The historical narrative surrounding the health and immune response of Native Americans in the New World is complex and nuanced. Smallpox was not a pre-existing disease to the indigenous population, and the decline in their numbers was due to the absence of natural immunity, not intentional actions by colonizers. Education and accurate historical portrayal are crucial in dispelling these myths and promoting a more informed understanding of the past.

References

For further reading on this topic, consult historical texts, primary sources, and scholarly works on the Columbian Exchange and indigenous health in the Americas.