Plagues and People Midterm

How did advances in transportation affect the spread of diseases?

Transportation advances facilitated the rapid spread of diseases across regions and continents, as seen in the Columbian Exchange.

What is a Virgin Soil Epidemic?

A Virgin Soil Epidemic refers to an epidemic that affects a population with no prior immunity, leading to catastrophic mortality rates.

Who was blamed for the spread of syphilis in 16th and 17th century London?

Marginalized groups, especially the poor and sex workers, were scapegoated for the spread of syphilis.

What was the significance of the yellow fever outbreak in late 18th-century Philadelphia?

The outbreak was racialized, with beliefs that enslaved Africans had immunity, illustrating the intersection of race and public health.

What modern aspects defined the plantation complex?

The plantation complex was characterized by global trade, export-oriented monocultures, and reliance on race-based and hereditary labor exploitation.

What are the challenges of retrospective diagnosis?

Challenges include pathogen evolution and limited historical evidence, complicating accurate disease identification.

What is a vector?

A vector is an organism, like a mosquito or flea, that transmits pathogens between hosts.

What defines contagion in disease transmission?

Contagion refers to the spread of disease through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals or objects.

What prompted advancements in modern epidemiology?

Research into diseases like yellow fever, decline of humoral theory, and failures of quarantine prompted modern epidemiological developments.

What historical context framed the use of Guaiac wood as a treatment for syphilis?

Guaiac wood was thought to counteract the cold and wet qualities of syphilis, providing temporary relief by inducing coughing.

What was bloodletting based on?

Bloodletting was based on humoral theory, positing that imbalances in bodily fluids caused diseases.

How are some diseases eradicated while others persist?

Human-only pathogens like smallpox are easier to eradicate, while diseases with animal reservoirs and vector transmission persist.

How was yellow fever linked to the justification of slavery?

Europeans claimed Africans were immune to tropical diseases like yellow fever, justifying their exploitation on plantations.

How did syphilis stigma manifest across social classes?

The poor and sex workers were blamed for syphilis spread, while wealthy individuals could conceal their symptoms with cosmetics.

What was the Industrial Revolution's impact on cholera?

It caused overcrowded cities with poor sanitation, creating ideal conditions for cholera outbreaks.

What role did colonialism play in the spread of diseases like smallpox?

Colonialism facilitated disease transmission, decimating Indigenous populations through introduced pathogens.

What influenced cholera perceptions from social and cultural viewpoints?

Cholera was often blamed on the poor, viewed as punishment for sins, and later understood through germ theory.

Why was cholera problematic during modernity?

Urbanization, inadequate sanitation, and reliance on outdated medical theories like miasma contributed to cholera's spread.

What historical example shows smallpox as a form of bioterrorism?

During the Seven Years’ War, British forces gave smallpox-infected blankets to Native Americans.

What are the key concepts of epidemics discussed in the notes?

Epidemics are shaped by social constructs, public health measures evolve in response to them, and diseases are intertwined with colonialism.

What did the printing press contribute to during the plague era?

The printing press enabled the spread of Protestant Reformation ideas and public health information.

How did the bubonic plague affect societal structures in Europe?

It led to the collapse of social norms, economies, and increased scapegoating of marginalized groups.

Who was Galen and what was his impact on medicine?

Galen was a Greek physician whose humoral theory influenced Western medicine for over a millennium.

Why did repercussions from the plague lead to increased control measures?

Governments implemented quarantine, travel restrictions, and sanitary regulations as public health responses.