Which of the following best describes the impact Eurasian diseases had on the New World populations?
(1 point)
Item 1
Item 2
• Eurasian diseases killed only the elderly.
Item 3
• Eurasian diseases weakened the major Indigenous empires' armies.
• Eurasian diseases weakened both Spanish and Indigenous soldiers.
Item 4
• Eurasian diseases disproportionately killed women.
The best option that describes the impact Eurasian diseases had on the New World populations is Item 4: Eurasian diseases disproportionately killed women.
The impact of Eurasian diseases on the New World populations can be best described by item 3. Eurasian diseases weakened the major Indigenous empires' armies and also weakened both Spanish and Indigenous soldiers.
To determine the best description of the impact Eurasian diseases had on the New World populations, we need to analyze the given options and their accuracy.
Item 1 suggests that Eurasian diseases killed only the elderly. To verify this claim, we need to consult historical sources and data, such as records from European explorers, colonial reports, and indigenous accounts. Such sources provide evidence that Eurasian diseases affected all age groups, not just the elderly. Therefore, Item 1 is not an accurate description of the impact.
Item 2 states that Eurasian diseases weakened the major Indigenous empires' armies. To confirm this claim, we can examine historical accounts and analyze the effects of disease outbreaks on indigenous societies. Research shows that diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza had a devastating impact on indigenous populations, including their military strength. The introduction of these diseases severely weakened indigenous empires, making them vulnerable to conquest. Therefore, Item 2 presents an accurate description of the impact.
Item 3 suggests that Eurasian diseases weakened both Spanish and Indigenous soldiers. To verify this claim, we need to examine historical records and analyze how diseases affected both Spanish and indigenous populations in terms of military strength. Research indicates that while Europeans had some level of immunity to Eurasian diseases due to prior exposure, they still experienced outbreaks among their ranks. Additionally, the indigenous populations lacked immunity, leading to significant casualties among both Spanish and indigenous soldiers. Consequently, Item 3 is an accurate description of the impact.
Item 4 states that Eurasian diseases disproportionately killed women. To determine the validity of this claim, we need to examine historical sources and data regarding the impact of diseases among different genders. While women might have been affected differently due to social and cultural factors, research does not provide strong evidence of diseases disproportionately killing women in the New World populations. Therefore, Item 4 is not an accurate description of the impact.
Based on the analysis, the description that best describes the impact Eurasian diseases had on the New World populations is as follows:
• Eurasian diseases weakened the major Indigenous empires' armies.
• Eurasian diseases weakened both Spanish and Indigenous soldiers.