The Rest Is History

147. Disease, the New World and modern pandemics

Feb 4, 2022

Professor Kyle Harper, an expert on the history of disease from the University of Oklahoma, joins for a deep dive into the catastrophic effects of disease during colonial expansion. He discusses how the Columbian Exchange led to the demographic collapse of indigenous populations due to diseases like smallpox. Harper also examines the influence of illness on European colonization efforts and the evolution of public health responses, drawing parallels between past pandemics and today's global health crises.

41:47

Episode guests

Kyle Harper

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Catastrophic Impact of Disease: The Columbian Exchange

15min

The Deadly Influence of Disease on Colonial Ambitions

5min

The Importance of Support Systems in Mental Health

2min

Exploring Health Crises and Historical Events

16min

Reflections on History: Optimism Amidst Adversity

4min

How devastating were European arrivals to the Americas in terms of deaths and the introduction of new infectious diseases?

Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Kyle Harper from the University of Oklahoma to discuss the relationship between disease and colonial expansion, the origins of the Spanish flu and the spread of modern forms of infectious disease.

Producer: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Jack Davenport

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