What was a major effect of the introduction of smallpox to the Americas following European contact?

• A. It had little impact on the health of indigenous populations.
• B. It caused widespread epidemics that led to significant population decline among indigenous peoples.
• C. It improved immunity among indigenous populations, making them resistant to other diseases.
• D. It led to the immediate eradication of smallpox in the Americas.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context: Smallpox was introduced to the Americas by Europeans during the period of contact and colonization.
2. Recognize the biological impact: Indigenous populations had no prior exposure to smallpox, so they lacked immunity to the virus.
3. Analyze the consequences: The introduction of smallpox led to widespread epidemics because the virus spread rapidly among susceptible populations.
4. Connect the epidemiological outcome: These epidemics caused a significant decline in the indigenous population due to high mortality rates.
5. Conclude the major effect: Therefore, the major effect of smallpox introduction was the devastating population decline among indigenous peoples, not immunity improvement or eradication.