European diseases

Definition

European diseases are illnesses brought by Europeans during their exploration and colonization of the Americas. These included smallpox, measles, and influenza. Native Americans lacked immunity to these diseases due to isolation from Eurasia.

Related terms

Epidemic: An epidemic is an outbreak of a disease that affects many individuals within a specific population or region.

Biological warfare: This term refers to deliberate use or manipulation of infectious agents (like diseases) as weapons in warfare.

Impact on demographics: This phrase describes how diseases affected population sizes and compositions within specific regions.