1767
Third major smallpox epidemic
A third major smallpox outbreak affected Cape communities, reinforcing disease as a recurring demographic and labour shock.
established
epidemic
A third major smallpox outbreak affected Cape communities, reinforcing disease as a recurring demographic and labour shock.
Significance
Reaffirms disease as a recurring structuring force, not a single-episode shock.
Why it matters
Reaffirms disease as a recurring structuring force, not a single-episode shock.
Disputed interpretations
The outbreak is established, but its exact mortality and wider geographic reach remain uncertain.