The Europeans brought to Africa a devastating disease which destroyed :a)Rinderpest, a disease carried by infected cattle, imported from British Asia to feed Italian soldiersb)90 percent of cattle in Africa by 1897c)Both (a) and (b)d)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Rinderpest a cattle disease arrived in Africa in the late 1880s. It was carried by infected cattle imported from British Asia to feed the Italian soldiers invading Eritrea in East Africa. Along the way rinderpest killed 90 per cent of the cattle.

Answer

C)both a and b

Answer

When the Europeans arrived, carrying germs which thrived in dense, semi-urban populations, the indigenous people of the Americas were effectively doomed. They had never experienced smallpox, measles or flu before, and the viruses tore through the continent, killing an estimated 90% of Native Americans

Answer

The Europeans brought to Africa a devastating disease which destroyed Rinderpest, a disease carried by infected cattle, imported from British Asia to feed Italian soldiers

The correct answer is option 'C' - Both (a) and (b).

Explanation:

Introduction:
During the colonial period, Europeans brought various diseases to Africa, which had devastating effects on the local populations and ecosystems. One such disease was Rinderpest, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cattle.

Rinderpest and its introduction to Africa:
1. Rinderpest is believed to have originated in British Asia and spread to other parts of the world through trade and military movements.
2. In the late 19th century, Italian soldiers stationed in East Africa during the colonization period required a steady supply of beef.
3. To meet this demand, the Europeans imported infected cattle from British Asia, unknowingly introducing Rinderpest to Africa.

The impact of Rinderpest:
1. Rinderpest had a catastrophic impact on African cattle populations.
2. The disease spread rapidly, leading to high mortality rates among infected animals.
3. Cattle served as a vital resource for African communities, providing meat, milk, and labor. The loss of cattle had severe socio-economic consequences.
4. By 1897, it is estimated that Rinderpest had killed approximately 90 percent of cattle in Africa, leading to widespread famine, economic collapse, and displacement of communities.

Significance of the European introduction of Rinderpest:
1. The introduction of Rinderpest by Europeans had a deliberate and devastating effect on African societies.
2. It disrupted traditional agricultural practices, as cattle were crucial for plowing fields, transportation, and trade.
3. The loss of cattle also disrupted social structures, as cattle ownership played a central role in marriage and inheritance customs.
4. The economic devastation caused by Rinderpest further increased Africa's dependence on European powers for food supplies and led to further exploitation.

Conclusion:
The European introduction of Rinderpest to Africa had a significant and long-lasting impact on the continent. It resulted in the destruction of cattle populations and had severe socio-economic consequences for African communities. The introduction of diseases like Rinderpest highlights the destructive impact of European colonization on African societies and ecosystems.

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