The Impact of Disease on the Revolutionary War

Examine how contagious diseases such as smallpox and typhus changed the course of the Revolutionary War. These diseases often posed a greater threat to troops than battle did. Through viewing media clips and discussion questions, students explore how contagious diseases influenced military decisions and how inoculation was used as a means to control the spread of smallpox. Additional activities offer opportunities for students to learn more about a soldier’s experience with smallpox and understanding how the geographic spread of the disease impacted the war.

About the Author:
Jennifer Egas has primarily taught AP U.S. history and post-secondary courses in an online environment for the last 10 years. She lives in Orange Beach, Alabama. Early America (specifically the Revolutionary Era) is her favorite period of United States history, ever since her first visit to Colonial Williamsburg during the bicentennial in 1976.