Question

select the correct answer. what effect did the introduction of smallpox have in the americas? a. it contributed to the defeat of american indians. b. it led to large numbers of deaths among european colonists in the americas. c. it allowed american indians to quickly develop a resistance to the disease. d. it resulted in the inability of europeans to establish colonies in the americas.

Explanation:

Smallpox was introduced to the Americas by European colonists. American Indians had no prior exposure or immunity to the disease, leading to massive population loss that weakened their ability to resist colonization, contributing to their defeat. European colonists had prior exposure and immunity, so they were not the ones dying in large numbers; nor did American Indians quickly develop resistance, and the disease helped Europeans establish colonies, not prevent it.

Answer:

A. It contributed to the defeat of American Indians.