The history of Indigenous peoples in the Americas after Europeans arrived is one of the most heartbreaking chapters in human history.
The history of Indigenous peoples in the Americas after Europeans arrived is one of the most heartbreaking chapters in human history. When Europeans came, Native communities faced many tragedies. Deadly diseases like smallpox and measles spread quickly. Because Indigenous people had never been exposed to these illnesses before, they had no immunity. Entire villages were wiped out by sickness alone. There were also wars, forced removals, broken treaties, and violent attacks. Families were pushed off their land. Nations were divided. Many communities lost their homes and their way of life. You may have heard the claim that 100 million Native Americans were killed on American soil. Most historians say that number is not supported by strong evidence. The total population of the Americas before European contact is usually estimated to be lower than that, and deaths happened for many different reasons — disease, conflict, displacement, and harsh policies. Still, many scholars and Indigenous ...