Smallpox's Devastating Impact

Smallpox wreaked havoc in the Americas, leading to an estimated 90% population decline among Indigenous peoples, who had no prior exposure to the disease. The arrival of Europeans found a land largely depopulated, potentially explaining the abundance of buffalo herds. Additionally, the historical practice of variolation in China offered a glimpse into early disease resistance strategies, despite its risks compared to the severe consequences of full-blown smallpox.