Immunity
The body’s resistance to disease
Real World Example
During the Global Age (1420-1750), European explorers and colonizers encountered Indigenous peoples in the Americas, who had no immunity to diseases like smallpox and measles. This lack of immunity led to devastating epidemics that drastically reduced Indigenous populations, altering the course of history in the Americas. The concept of immunity was important because it highlighted the biological impact of global interactions and the need for understanding how diseases spread. Today, immunity remains crucial as it helps protect people from illnesses, especially during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, getting vaccinated helps boost our immune system, making us less likely to get sick and preventing the spread of diseases to others, protecting vulnerable community members.
