While investigating the impact of Eurasian diseases in the Americas, which of the following would a historian have a difficult time determining?
1. The exact spread and transmission routes of specific diseases in the Americas - Since the diseases spread rapidly and the historical records were scarce, determining the exact routes and mechanisms of transmission would be challenging.
2. The total number of indigenous people who died from Eurasian diseases - Due to the lack of comprehensive population records and the varied impact of different diseases on different regions and populations, it would be difficult to accurately determine the total number of indigenous deaths.
3. The long-term social and cultural consequences of the diseases - While historians can analyze the short-term impacts of diseases, such as immediate depopulation and societal disruptions, tracing the long-term consequences on indigenous communities, cultural practices, and societal dynamics would be complex.
4. The specific diseases that affected different regions of the Americas - Since the historical records often lack detailed information about specific diseases, it can be challenging to ascertain which diseases were present in which regions and how they impacted local populations.
5. The pre-contact population sizes of indigenous peoples in the Americas - Establishing accurate pre-contact population numbers is difficult due to limited records, conflicting sources, and the devastating impact of diseases even before population figures were recorded.