We've all heard about all the diseases and epidemics brought to the Indians from the Europeans and other settlers; why is it then, that the Settlers caught nothing from the Indians? or is it that we left that part out (not likely, in my opinion, considering that's not the view that whoever wrote that part of history would want to relay.)
2007-02-12 06:19:52 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
By comparison to Europeans, historian Thomas Berger says, native Americans were remarkably healthy. Most lived not in unsanitary cities but "in small, isolated bands and were therefore less likely to spread diseases over large geographical areas."
There is some controversy over whether syphillis was a New World disease (from Haiti and Dominican Republic).
2007-02-12 06:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is obviously just my opinion, for what it is worth. Native Americans entire lifestyle was so different from the Europeans. I don't think they lived in the type of enclosed housing that was common in Europe. Communicable diseases depend on proximity to flourish. Europeans seldom bathed (if at all), the homes were often shared with animals, etc.
Europeans also traveled much more, even to areas such as Asia or the Middle East as we know it today. Native Americans were limited to travel in this country.
I am not real familiar with "healing" practices of the Indians, such as herbal, etc.. but I am sure they existed. It is very possible that what they practiced was based in real results. Or, possible that when an Indian did become sick, the practice might have been to isolate or shun them. A primitive form of quarantine that may have been effective.
Tip of the iceberg, devil's advocate only. Just to think about it, that it may not be a case of leaving anything out, or distorting anything, at least on this topic.
2007-02-12 17:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by wendy c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Europe,Asia and Africa are connected by land they were exposed to each others diseases for thousand of years so were carriers and had developed some immunity to many diseases that had developed since humans migrated to the Americas. Most new diseases appear when the pathogen jumps species so living in close proximity to animals increases the likelihood of development of a new decease and high population density increase the likelihood of the disease persisting.. There was only one domesticate animal in the Americas, the llama in Peru, but the old world had many. Because of this there were no new diseases in the Indian population for them to catch.
2007-02-12 16:48:15 · answer #3 · answered by meg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, there's a theory (disputed) that syphilis came from the Native Americans rather than the other way around (that the Europeans gave it to the Native Americans). This is because it appeared in Europe about the same time as the European exploration of North America.
2007-02-12 14:25:52 · answer #4 · answered by Corinnique 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a question ive been wondering about myself, especially when you consider how many diseases (not only ones relating to unsanitary conditions) the Europeans gave to the Americans. I think that this goes to prove that Europeans before Columbus (Madoc, Brendan, Vikings etc) didnt get there as they would have taken deseases with them as well.
2007-02-12 15:47:58 · answer #5 · answered by jademonkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same reason why if you go to a 3rd world country you catch all sorts of nasty stuff
2007-02-12 14:46:31 · answer #6 · answered by Bored Much 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. Interesting answers.
2007-02-12 16:24:19 · answer #7 · answered by Konswayla 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.because whit people do not clean there bodies
2007-02-12 14:37:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋