The missing plague that could have changed history

  • 10,160,303 Views
  • 3,017 Questions Answered
  • Best of Web

Let’s Begin…

When European colonizers came to American shores, the plague they brought with them killed almost 90% of the indigenous population. But why was there no existing plague in the "New World" that affected Europeans?

CGP Grey explains in this video about the missing "Americapox."


Customize this lesson71

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

Additional Resources for you to Explore
Watch Part 2 of CGP Grey's series on this topic: Animal Domestication
CGP Grey based this video on the book Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
TED-Ed: The Past, Present and Future of Bubonic Plague
History.com: Black Death
American Museum of Natural History: Domestication Timeline
Next Section »

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

More from How Things Work