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Deadly Diseases: Smallpox in the Americas — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores how smallpox, a deadly disease, changed the Americas during Colonial times. Students will learn about the arrival of Europeans, the spread of smallpox through the Columbian Exchange, and its impact on Native American communities. The passage uses clear cause-and-effect structure, simple language, and includes a glossary of key terms to build vocabulary. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to encourage comprehension and historical thinking. The content is aligned with C3 Framework standards and Common Core ELA standards, supporting students’ historical understanding and literacy skills. A Spanish translation is also provided for accessibility, along with a read aloud audio. This resource is ideal for building foundational knowledge of U.S. history, the Columbian Exchange, and the role of disease in shaping societies.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Columbian Exchange brought many changes to the Americas. When Europeans arrived, they brought new plants, animals, and technology. But they also brought something deadly—new diseases. These invisible germs would change America forever.

Before the Europeans came, Native Americans had their own ways of life. Their bodies had never faced illnesses like smallpox, measles, and typhus. When these diseases arrived, Native Americans had no way to fight them. Their immune systems could not protect them.

At first, people did not know how these diseases spread. One person might get sick and then pass it to many others. Smallpox was especially dangerous. It caused high fevers and painful sores. Measles and typhus also spread quickly, making whole villages sick. Unlike battles, these epidemics did not need armies. Germs traveled on the breath, skin, and even clothes of the new settlers.

The effects were tragic. In just a few years, millions of Native Americans died. Some villages lost everyone. In some places, up to 90% of the population disappeared. This is called a population collapse. It changed the way people lived, worked, and even the land itself.

These losses made it easier for Europeans to take land. With fewer people to resist, colonies grew quickly. But Native communities lost leaders, traditions, and families. The Columbian Exchange did not only bring new foods and animals. It brought great sadness, too.

Over time, people learned more about germs and disease. Today, we know how to prevent and treat many illnesses. We remember this history to honor those who were lost and to keep learning how to protect each other.

Interesting Fact: The smallpox virus was so deadly that, in some places, it wiped out entire communities in just a few months.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

Movement of plants, animals, and diseasesA type of shipA food marketA war between countries

Which disease killed many Native Americans?

SmallpoxChickenpoxFluCold

What happened to many Native villages?

They disappearedThey became citiesThey grew biggerThey moved to Europe

Why did diseases spread so quickly?

Native Americans had no immunityIt was coldEuropeans wanted warAnimals spread them

How did the epidemics help Europeans?

Fewer people resisted themThey got sick tooThey found goldThey made friends

What is a population collapse?