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) unit 4 lesson 9
1. Immunity: European settlers had built up some level of immunity to these diseases through previous exposure and natural selection, whereas Native American populations had no previous exposure and therefore had no natural immunity.
2. Population density: European settlers lived in more densely populated areas, which meant they were exposed to more diseases and had more opportunities to build immunity. Conversely, Native American populations were often more spread out and had less contact with infectious diseases, making them more susceptible to outbreaks.
3. Healthcare infrastructure: European settlers had access to better healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, doctors, and medicines, which helped them recover from these diseases more successfully. Native American communities often did not have access to these resources and therefore had higher mortality rates.
4. Genetic differences: Some studies suggest that genetic differences between Europeans and Native Americans may have played a role in the differential impact of these diseases. Europeans may have had genetic traits that made them more resistant to certain diseases, while Native American populations may have had genetic vulnerabilities that made them more susceptible.