Episode 115: Smallpox, Inoculation, and the American Revolution

This article from the U.S. National Park Service details the devastating impact of smallpox during the American Revolutionary War. It traces the history of smallpox inoculation, beginning with its controversial introduction to Boston in 1721 by figures like Cotton Mather and Zabdiel Boylston, and explains its eventual widespread adoption, culminating in George Washington's mandatory inoculation program for the Continental Army in 1777. The article highlights the significant role inoculation played in the war's outcome, showcasing both its successes and the challenges in its implementation. Finally, it emphasizes the lasting legacy of these early pioneers of inoculation in shaping American history.