Resource: Aboriginal People and European Diseases

Description

European diseases had an enormous impact on the Aboriginal people of Australia, when they were introduced in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Aboriginal people had never encountered these diseases before and so had little or no natural immunity. Many diseases that are easily treatable today, killed thousands of people in those days, especially where there was no immunity. This resource examines some of those diseases and impacts. The controversy surrounding the introduction of Smallpox is also discussed.

This resource is designed to complement the Year 4 and 5 Australian History curriculum.