“was surely the greatest tragedy in the history of the human species.”
What a pantload of nonsense this is.
What, there were no diseases in the Americas prior to Columbus? Two entire continents with no epidemics? Sure, just like the Indians didn’t practice slavery and the wiping out of enemies.
I can tell you, there were plenty of natives who wanted to be best friends with Columbus in the hope he could protect them from the Caribs who viewed everyone else as food...literally.