How Did Disease Changed The Lives Of Native Americans

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The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 marked a pivotal moment in history, altering the course of humanity forever. The encounter between the Spanish and Portuguese explorers and the Native Americans brought about profound changes that reshaped the lives of indigenous peoples in ways that continue to reverberate through history. This essay explores the major changes wrought by this encounter, the role of disease, shifts in racial understanding, resistance by Native Americans, the influence of the Church, gender dynamics, and the enduring legacy of these historical trends.

Disease played a devastating role in the lives of Native Americans upon the arrival of Europeans. Smallpox, measles, and other diseases, previously unknown in the Americas, decimated indigenous populations, wiping out entire communities and disrupting social structures. The lack of immunity among Native …show more content…
Europeans imposed a hierarchical racial system that categorized individuals based on their perceived superiority or inferiority. This system justified the exploitation and subjugation of Native Americans and Africans, positioning Europeans as the superior race destined to rule over others. This racial hierarchy became deeply entrenched in colonial societies and continues to shape social relations and structures today.

Native Americans resisted European encroachment and domination through various means. Armed resistance, such as the Aztec and Inca rebellions against Spanish conquistadors, typified one form of resistance. Indigenous peoples also employed strategies of cultural preservation and adaptation, attempting to maintain their traditions and way of life amidst the onslaught of colonialism. Moreover, some Native American communities formed alliances with European powers or adapted to European systems of governance in order to navigate the changing political

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