Epidemics_and_Enslavement_Chapter_2

Chapter: The Protohistoric Puzzle, 1492–1659

Introduction

• Overview: Discusses the impact of epidemics on Native Southeast populations during the protohistoric period, exploring the interplay of European colonization and indigenous health.

• Context: The chapter situates Spanish and English colonial practices against the backdrop of earlier epidemics and demographic changes.

Early European Interactions and Indigenous Populations

• John Archdale's Quote: Highlights the perception among English officials that Native depopulation was a divine act rather than a consequence of colonial practices.

  • English vs. Spanish: Exaggeration of moral distinction; English profiting from Native slavery.

• Impact of the Native Slave Trade: Exchange of English weapons for captives led to population disruptions and disease spread, primarily through smallpox.

Spanish Expeditions and Epidemic Dynamics

• Epidemiological Events: Claims of early disease introductions post-Columbus need scrutiny. Key expeditions include:

  • Juan Ponce de León (1513): Engaged with indigenous populations but did not essential introduce new, lethal diseases.

  • Hernando de Soto (1539-1542): Explored large areas yet did not spread significant acute infectious diseases; evidence suggests illnesses arose only long after interactions.

  • Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón (1526): Had negative interactions, and evidence posits potential early epidemics in the region, but causality needs careful examination.

Disease Transmission Mechanisms

• Introduction of Diseases: Data 'discounting' the role of major diseases like smallpox in early Spanish interactions.

  • Majority Men Residents: Spanish expeditions largely composed of adult males unlikely to carry childhood diseases.

  • Limited Disease Spread: Transmission was geographical and contextual; misinterpretations from archaeology complicate assumptions of widespread disease impacts.

• Malaria: Likely introduced through early contact but did not significantly disrupt demography as initially theorized.

Archaeological Evidence and Population Stability

• Cofitachequi: Evidence shows that despite mentions of plagues, it continued to be populated even after Spanish visits.

• Mississippi Valley: Notable settlements remained populated long after Soto's expedition, complicating the narrative of demographic collapse.

• Cultural Resilience: Significant continuity observed in multiple locations; certain groups managed to thrive despite pressures from European intrusions and environmental stresses.

Conclusion and Implications for Understanding Native Demographics

• Critique of Epidemic Assumptions: The assertion of a universal epidemic effect across the Southeast from European contact lacks robust evidence.

• Epidemic Misinterpretations: Calls for reevaluation of early claims attributing vast population losses to disease alone, absent a nuanced view of indigenous resilience and adaptation.

• Future Research Directions: Understand disease impacts not as unilateral agents of destruction but as part of complex interactions influenced by social, environmental, and political factors.