We think we live in modern times, with modern military dilemnae. I agree in principle that the concept of a nuclear bomb is clearly different than being besieged by fiery arrows. Especially, since those arrows were only dispensed one at a time, albeit by many soldiers simultaneously. But, what was the reaction when that first cannonball was fired- and you only had fiery arrows?
As an example of how things don’t change- we don’t seem to be all that worried that a terrorist (or an enemy) can paralyze our power plants, with some fairly low-level computer chicanery. (Some opponents are perfecting this technique now as we ‘speak’.)
Imagine what this would do to America (or another developed country). The Northeast (or Midwest, or West) would be paralyzed for days. No manufacturing. No stock market activity. No banking. Yet, we really do nothing to preclude this. (After all, that would be government regulation of the power industry…)
But, boy, do we worry about anthrax. And some other communicable diseases. Every day of the week. So much so, that we were actually terrorized by an individual who was working for the defense establishment, who, on the side, sent out anthrax mail bombs. (I am not saying that biological warfare is not a real problem. I’m just bringing up this example up to show how we ‘qualify’ folks who get the clearances to work on these projects.)
These are not far-fetched ideas. Because, we know we have been subjected to biological warfare before. (I am not going to talk about classified actions from the recent past. Censors- you can put down your black markers, now.) No, I am going to go back- way back- to when our country was first starting out.
You see, the British sent troops to fight us- and visit our citizenry- that were harboring smallpox. Which way back then was a debilitating killer. But, we knew about this because we had seen it before. (Who knows what would have happened had we not!) [These facts can be found in the now-deceased eminent scholar’s recount in Scourge (Jonathan Tucker)
You see, during the Indian Wars, the British used soldiers who were recently treated for smallpox and blankets soaked in smallpox to infect the Indians- killing them that way, without bullets. This was effected using Edward Jenner’s very crude process of inoculation (called variolation) for nefarious aims. [One was highly contagious for a period of time after this treatment, while immunity was being developed in the subject.]
And, then, the British repeated this process when the Americans tried to take Quebec city. (This time the British used variolated prostitutes to service our troops.) About ½ our attacking contingent died and were buried in mass graves in Canada.
In 1775, the British had posted fully immunized (for their time) troops in Boston. And, during the revolution that ensued, they sent recently variolated individuals among the civilians to spread the scourge to the populace.
Which is why George Washington ordered all the troops being sent to the front in 1777 to take a side-trip to Philadelphia- to be variolated. Really- the orders are now on public view in Mount Vernon (Washington’s manor, just outside of Alexandria, Virginia). Which reduced the death rate to about 1% from the typical 17% of those infected at the time.
Do you still think history is just a dry recounting?
Roy – this is an incredible post! I had no idea about Washington’s troop re-route nor the Canadian prostitute contingent. Fascinating!!!
I thought so, too, Tor.
Here we are wondering what to do about terror (virtually nothing, when you consider the thumb twirling and finger pointing), only to see that we didn’t always think this way!
Thanks for dropping in and commenting!
Roy
You always come up with terrific information that very few know! Wow. Can you imagine using your own disease to kill others? I’m curious to know if the prostitutes knew their disease-spreading role in the plan. Were they told that they were highly contagious for a period of time after variolation?
Thanks for this fascinating info!
Suerae-
Proof that truth is so much stranger than fiction. And, that history DOES repeat itself.
No, I have no idea what they were thinking- nor do I understand these young children being used by their elders to bring bombs or disease to others right now- and dying in the process. Doesn’t anyone value the life of children anymore?
Roy
Putting out my hand in peace, apologising for the dreadful history of my homeland and her army who i served. From a historical point, i found what you have reported fascinating. I also fear the opportunities that terrorists do have to inflict harm on this world of ours, and maybe wrongly applaud those that have kept most of it at bay for so long. Having lost a friend best on Pam Am 103 ‘lockerbie’ i can’t say that i’m unhappy with some of what has recently happened.
Larry- it’s not just what happened when- or by whom.
It’s a function of what we consider to be the proper method of dealing with differences and changes.
Look at what’s going on right now in Syria. Or Somalia…
Roy
Hiya Roy,
Outstanding post!
To be honest with you, I never really paid much attention to history when I was in high school. With that being said, I am almost certain most of your post wasn’t covered in any of my history classes. And it definitely should have been. Now, whether I had fallen asleep in class or stepped out for a make-believe restroom break, is beyond me. But that’s my biggest issue with history in the public schools. They give you what they think you should know, and not all of the information that suppose to come with the lessons.
I’ve gotten a little better as an adult, whereas history is concerned. The difference now is I research it myself. But you’re so right, the priorities here on the home front are preposterous. There are so many other things that we should be directing our attention too. But that’s what happens when there’s a government in place that has their own agendas and interest.
One thing I have learned in getting better acquainted with history, and I’m sure you agree; is that it has a tendency of repeating itself. An awesome post my friend. I really enjoyed it. 🙂
Amazing what history has available for us, if we search for the facts, Deeone.
Glad you liked the post!
Roy
Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man is really sad. I feel sympathy for the American Indians who were subjected to all of these “white man” diseases.
I was just reading a book of my family’s history and learned that one of my great-uncles was gassed during WWI in Germany.
History is stranger than fiction…and more tragic.
The concept of war is a real problem, Janette. It certainly brings out the worst in most of us.
Roy
Roy – always interesting. I dig your posts.
You are one of my Versatile Blogger Award winners!
Here are the details if you need ’em: http://habitualvictory/the-versatile-blogger-award
Keep up the outstanding work!
All the best
MS
Mike- you deserve it. And, I’m honored. Check out these two links…
https://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/http:/www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/working-labor-day-guess-award-time/
https://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/http:/www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/and-the-winner-is/