Small Pox Research Paper

Smallpox emerged around 200 years after the Black Death, during the mid-14th century, and quickly became one of the biggest killers in the expanding world. (Dobson,p.130) Smallpox changed the beauty standards in Europe through the use of makeup, fashion, and accessories. This disease struck in all social classes of society and was not dependent on status, wealth, sanitary conditions, or hygiene. Because of that, smallpox was sometimes referred to as the “democratic” disease (Skold,p.145) People believe that the Inca and Aztec empire likely collapsed because of smallpox. Hernan Cortes and his 300 men attacked the Aztec capital a force of 300,00 and captured the city within the span of three months. (Altman. p.42) This likely occurred because the Spaniards have had years of exposure to smallpox due to Columbus crossing the Atlantic from Europe to Africa and carrying the disease. (Dobson,p.130) On the other hand, the Aztecs and Incas were not immune to the ravages of the disease and quickly became weak which led to the collapse of the civilizations. (Altman, p.42)
During the 16th century, the “speckled monster” had attacked close to 15 percent of the population in Europe. And of those victims at least 80 percent
(Sherrow, Beauty) Since the rich were among the many victims of smallpox the use of makeup to cover up scars began. Women began using thick face powder or creams in order to cover up their damaged pitted faces. (Oldstone,p.33) These face powders were made from all different types of toxic materials including led which also lead to indents in the skin. (Sherrow, Facial) For women in the middle or aristocracy class, their faces were the destiny to who they would marry and getting smallpox could change their whole future. Since a number of scars could be between 1 and 100, with most occurring faces, the idea of beauty patches emerged.