Lymphatic Immune System Quizlet Related

Review Lymphatic Immune System Quizlet related questions and content

Why is smallpox considered a factor that greatly helped European explorers to defeat the Native populations of the Americas (e.g. Mexico)?

  • A. When the Europeans arrived there was an ongoing smallpox epidemic in the Americas that weakened the ability of the Natives to fight back
  • B. The Native populations used a form of vaccination against smallpox that was often lethal and therefore they lost more lives.
  • C. Smallpox was introduced in Mexico by the European explorers therefore the Native population had no immunity to it and the disease spread rapidly
  • D. Both A and B are correct
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because smallpox was indeed introduced to the Americas by European explorers, leading to devastating effects on the Native populations who had no immunity. This weakened the Natives' ability to fight back against the Europeans. Option A is incorrect as there was no ongoing smallpox epidemic in the Americas before the arrival of the Europeans. Option B is also incorrect as there is no evidence that the Native populations used a lethal form of vaccination against smallpox. Option D is incorrect as only option C accurately explains the impact of smallpox on the Native populations in relation to European conquest.