What was the biggest killer of Indigenous people after invasion? Group of answer choicesSmallpoxCommon coldSyphilisDysentery

The biggest killer of Indigenous people after invasion was smallpox. After the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, various diseases to which Indigenous populations had no prior exposure led to devastating epidemics. Smallpox, in particular, was highly contagious and often fatal. Estimates suggest that it claimed millions of lives among Indigenous populations, decimating their numbers and significantly altering the demographic landscape of the Americas.

While other diseases like the common cold, syphilis, and dysentery also affected Indigenous peoples, smallpox stands out due to its high mortality rate and the catastrophic impact it had on communities. The introduction of these diseases by European settlers was unintentional; however, the results were tragic, leading to a massive decline in the population and disruption of their societies. This phenomenon highlights the broader implications of colonialism beyond territorial conquest, as it fundamentally changed the lives and cultures of Indigenous peoples.