A Pest in the Land

New World Epidemics in a Global Perspective

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Latin America
Cover of the book A Pest in the Land by Suzanne Alchon, University of New Mexico Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Suzanne Alchon ISBN: 9780826328724
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press Publication: February 4, 2003
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press Language: English
Author: Suzanne Alchon
ISBN: 9780826328724
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
Publication: February 4, 2003
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press
Language: English

This study of disease among the native peoples of the New World before and after 1492 challenges many widely held notions about encounters between European and native peoples. Whereas many late twentieth century scholars blamed the catastrophic decline of postconquest native populations on the introduction of previously unknown infections from the Old World, Alchon argues that the experiences of native peoples in the New World closely resembled those of other human populations. Exposure to lethal new infections resulted in rates of morbidity and mortality among native Americans comparable to those found among Old World populations.

Why then did native American populations decline by 75 to 90 percent in the century following contact with Europeans? Why did these populations fail to recover, in contrast to those of Africa, Asia, and Europe? Alchon points to the practices of European colonialism. Warfare and slavery increased mortality, and forced migrations undermined social, political, and economic institutions.

This timely study effectively overturns the notion of New World exceptionalism. By showing that native Americans were not uniquely affected by European diseases, Alchon also undercuts the stereotypical notion of the Americas as a new Eden, free of disease and violence until the intrusion of germ-laden, rapacious Europeans.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This study of disease among the native peoples of the New World before and after 1492 challenges many widely held notions about encounters between European and native peoples. Whereas many late twentieth century scholars blamed the catastrophic decline of postconquest native populations on the introduction of previously unknown infections from the Old World, Alchon argues that the experiences of native peoples in the New World closely resembled those of other human populations. Exposure to lethal new infections resulted in rates of morbidity and mortality among native Americans comparable to those found among Old World populations.

Why then did native American populations decline by 75 to 90 percent in the century following contact with Europeans? Why did these populations fail to recover, in contrast to those of Africa, Asia, and Europe? Alchon points to the practices of European colonialism. Warfare and slavery increased mortality, and forced migrations undermined social, political, and economic institutions.

This timely study effectively overturns the notion of New World exceptionalism. By showing that native Americans were not uniquely affected by European diseases, Alchon also undercuts the stereotypical notion of the Americas as a new Eden, free of disease and violence until the intrusion of germ-laden, rapacious Europeans.

More books from University of New Mexico Press

Cover of the book Valles Caldera by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book The Canyon by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Native Women and Land by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Cosas by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Lord of the Dawn: The Legend of Quetzalcíatl by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book To Be Indio in Colonial Spanish America by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book New Mexico's Quest for Statehood, 1846-1912 by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book A Cherokee Encyclopedia by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Enduring Acequias by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Environmental Health Narratives: A Reader for Youth by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book From Shipmates to Soldiers by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book The Haunting of the Mexican Border by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Inside the New Mexico Senate by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Detonography by Suzanne Alchon
Cover of the book Fifty Years at the Pit by Suzanne Alchon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy