The 1789 smallpox epidemic in Sydney, Australia, has long been a subject of historical debate. New research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, suggests that the disease originated from the British First Fleet and had devastating consequences for Indigenous Australians. This article delves into the historical context, the impact of smallpox on Indigenous populations, and the implications of the recent study. It also explores the broader implications of the findings for understanding Australia's colonial history and the ongoing impact on Indigenous communities.
The smallpox epidemic, which began in April 1789, just 16 months after European arrival, had a profound and tragic impact on the Indigenous population. The disease, caused by the variola virus, was a major driver of the catastrophe that killed countless Native Americans from Canada to Tierra del Fuego after the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century. Smallpox, with its fever, severe illness, and high death rates, especially in populations with no previous exposure, left survivors with severe scarring.
A persistent narrative in Australia's colonial history has been that the disease did not come from the First Fleet, but was introduced earlier by Makassan traders in the far north of the country. However, the recent study, using modeling of smallpox transmission and the connections between Indigenous societies, strongly suggests that the disease did indeed originate from the British outpost. The model shows that there was no plausible pathway for the disease to travel from northern Australia to Sydney in time to cause the 1789 outbreak.
The spread of smallpox followed coastlines and major rivers, but it did not reach all of Australia. The disease could have persisted in the Indigenous population for up to 21 years and might have spread as far north as Townsville and as far west as Adelaide. The estimated death toll is staggering, with the model suggesting that the epidemic could have killed as many as 220,000 Aboriginal people.
The impact of smallpox on Indigenous communities was catastrophic, damaging families, knowledge systems, and ways of caring for Country. Elders, children, and pregnant women were especially vulnerable, leading to deep harm alongside population decline. Despite the enormous demographic and cultural toll, communities regrouped and continued cultural practices, spoke their language, and applied their knowledge systems until remaining descendants were forcibly relocated in the 1880s.
The study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the traumatic legacy of smallpox to inform the national process of healing. While Indigenous connections to Country were disrupted, they were never broken. The authors also acknowledge the deep historical and cultural harm their truth-telling exposes and commiserate with all First Nations peoples of Australia.
In conclusion, the recent research provides compelling evidence that the 1789 smallpox epidemic in Sydney originated from the British First Fleet. The findings highlight the devastating impact of smallpox on Indigenous Australians and the long-lasting effects on their communities. This study serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Australia.
