Did many indigenous people die from exposure to European diseases.?

Yes, many Indigenous people experienced catastrophic population declines due to exposure to European diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza. These populations had no prior immunity to these illnesses, leading to devastating outbreaks following contact with Europeans. Estimates suggest that millions of Indigenous individuals died as a result, significantly impacting their societies and cultures. The consequences of these diseases were compounded by violence and displacement related to colonization.