What factor is believed to have dramatically reduced New World native populations after contact with Europeans?
A) disease
B) starvation
C) religious conversion
D) war
E) enslavement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disease, particularly smallpox, was a major factor in the decimation of New World native populations. The native populations had no immunity to these diseases, which were brought over by the Europeans, resulting in widespread and deadly epidemics. This weakened the populations and made them more vulnerable to other factors such as war and enslavement.

What Factor Is Believed to Have Dramatically Reduced New World