Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82

Name: Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82
Price: 33.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (385 reviews)

4.5 of 5 Stars: History - Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82

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Book Synopsis: The astonishing, hitherto unknown truths about a disease that transformed the United States at its birth. A horrifying epidemic of smallpox was sweeping across the Americas when the War of Independence began, and yet we know almost nothing about it. Elizabeth A. Fenn is the first historian to reveal how deeply variola affected the outcome of the war in every colony and the lives of everyone in North America.

By 1776, when military action and political ferment increased the movement of people and microbes, the epidemic worsened. Fenn's remarkable research shows us how smallpox devastated the American troops at Québec and kept them at bay during the British occupation of Boston. Soon, the disease affected the war in Virginia, where it ravaged slaves who had escaped to join the British forces. During the terrible winter at Valley Forge, General Washington had to decide if and when to attempt the risky inoculation of his troops. In 1779, while Creeks and Cherokees were dying in Georgia, smallpox broke out in Mexico City, whence it followed travelers going north, striking Santa Fe and outlying pueblos in January 1781. Simultaneously, it moved up the Pacific coast and east across the plains as far as Hudson's Bay.

The destructive, desolating power of smallpox made for a cascade of public-health crises and heartbreaking human drama. Fenn's innovative work shows how this mega-tragedy was met and what its consequences were for America.

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Discover the astonishing and untold story of a disease that shaped the United States at its birth. Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82, written by Elizabeth A. Fenn, uncovers the deeply impactful truths about the smallpox epidemic that engulfed the Americas during the War of Independence. This groundbreaking historical account reveals how variola, the virus causing smallpox, played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war in every colony and in the lives of every person in North America.

As the military action and political ferment of the war intensified in 1776, the smallpox epidemic reached its peak. Fenn's meticulous research unveils how smallpox devastated the American troops in Québec, crippling their forces during the British occupation of Boston. It also sheds light on the impact of the disease in Virginia, where it ravaged escaped slaves who had joined the British forces. The book delves into the momentous decision faced by General Washington at Valley Forge – whether to risk inoculating his troops against smallpox or not. Furthermore, it reveals how smallpox spread across the continent, affecting regions such as Mexico City, Santa Fe, and even Hudson's Bay.

Experience the captivating narrative that explores the destructive power of smallpox, alongside the cascading public health crises and heart-wrenching human drama it caused. Fenn's innovative work not only delves into the depths of this historical mega-tragedy but also highlights the resilience and courage of the American people as they faced the aftermath. Discover how this epidemic left an indelible mark on the nation, and order your copy of Pox Americana today.

Don't miss out on this incredible historical account! Experience the power of Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82 and gain a newfound understanding of the impact that this disease had on the birth of the United States. Order now to unravel the hidden truths and consequences of this forgotten chapter in American history. Order Now

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