ecological imperialism
A deliberate or accidental introduction of new plants, animals, and diseases by European invaders and settlers of the New World, including the Americas and Australasia. The term was coined by historian Alfred W. Crosby (1931–2018) to describe how Europeans gained an advantage in conquering new territories and peoples less through the force of arms or technological supremacy, and more through the alteration of indigenous habitats to suit their needs. Above all, the impact of communicative diseases such as measles, cholera, and influenza weakened or destroyed many New World societies.... ...
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