Biological Warfare’s Role in Colonization
by Anita Osuri
Category: Social Sciences
Abstract – When reflecting on colonization, physical warfare and indoctrination are discussed, although the role of biological warfare is often undermined. The role of biological warfare in colonization efforts by the British, Spanish, German, African, and Japanese is continually debated by historians. Some historians mention the insignificance of certain biological warfare methods as being ineffective at afflicting the desired group, while other historians attest that the innate cruelty of the colonizers and the high death count impacted these power struggles greatly. Although most biological warfare events occurred as an attack on another country, there are also instances of warfare being conducted on a country’s own people. Despite the majority of attacks having happened in the 1700s - 1900s, there are many lessons that can be learnt from these brutal acts of violence. We hope to evaluate both sides of this topic through the lens of colonizers in different countries and different timeframes to uncover the true role of biological warfare in colonization efforts.