Skip to main content

The missing plague that could have changed history

11,581,434 Views

3,444 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."

More domesticated animals means more farming, means less migration, which means people stay put, which means populations grow and become more dense which means cities start to emerge, which creates the ideal setting for what?

Sign in to answer question

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