Diseases and epidemics have played a large role in human history. After every epidemic, new sunrises and human civilization move towards a new path. With The Recent Coronavirus Outbreak, we should proceed with the same hope and patience. The pandemic has affected our present. At such difficult times, we should take lessons from our past. We have faced similar pandemics of World History which were completely life-changing. Today we will know about 5 such pandemics that have changed the world.
Pandemics Of World History
Fall of the Ming Dynasty
The Ming dynasty of China ruled the power for almost 3 centuries. The downfall of this royal dynasty was due to the plague. Many people died due to the plague in northern China in 1641. The population of many cities decreased by 20 to 40%. There was a shortage of food and drink. This pandemic had completely changed the lives of people. There was such a shortage of food that people started eating dead people to stay alive. The main reason for this crisis was the simultaneous spread of malaria and plague. The people of that time had raised the possibility that perhaps the Chinese invaders had brought this disease. Later the Qing dynasty of Manchuria organized an invasion of China and ended the Ming dynasty.
Animal epidemic.
Epidemics killed many animals in Africa as European countries expanded their empires. A virus named Rinderpest wreaked havoc from 1888 to 1897. During that time, about 90% of domestic animals were lost. Due to this, many large areas of Africa had to die of starvation. With the death of the oxen, there was a crisis in agriculture. When animals like cows and buffalo died, even substances like milk and curd were unavailable. This pandemic allowed European countries to establish colonies. However, plans to establish colonies had been made long ago. 14 countries together decided who would rule which part of Africa.
Yellow fever.
In 1801, slaves revolted against European colonial forces in Haiti. As a result, Toussaint Louverture became the ruler of France. But Napoleon of France, considering himself the ruler, tried to rule the whole country. So he thought of capturing Haiti as well. He sent many of his soldiers to fight there. But it was a matter of regret that Napoleon could not capture it due to Yellow Fever. About 50,000 soldiers died due to Yellow Fever. Later, millions of square kilometres of the area were sold to America.
Chickenpox: Pandemics Of World History
European countries colonized the American continent at the end of the 15th century. A large number of people died, which resulted in climate change. According to the University College of London, UK, at that time, the population of America was 60 million, which decreased to only 600000. Diseases arrived there with Europeans colonizing the Americas. These included smallpox and diseases such as measles, cholera, malaria, plague, whooping cough, and typhus. The decrease in population in America led to a lack of farming. Because of this, a large area of America became pasture and forest. Because of this, a good thing happened that the effect of carbon dioxide decreased and the temperature of the earth came down. Due to the greenery, a short ice age returned to the world.
Plague.
Pandemics Of World History: The fifth and sixth decades of the 14th century were very difficult for Europe. At that time, one-third of the population had perished due to the plague. Due to this, there was also a shortage of farmers working in the fields. The dependence of the zamindars to work here to earn revenue was reduced. Gradually people started getting free from the captivity of the landlords. It made an unprecedented contribution to the development of Europe. Due to this, there was an opportunity to advance the trading and cash-based system.
