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The Syphilis Explosion of the American Civil War
Why did syphilis spread so fast in late nineteenth century America?
It's been estimated that between eight and twelve percent of soldiers in contracted a venereal disease during the American Civil War. What on earth were they up to?
Kathryn Olivarius is a Professor at Stanford. She joins Kate to discuss syphilis, why it spread so far during the war and how it's impact continued after the war ended.
Kathryn is the author of 'Necropolis: Disease, Power, and Capitalism in the Cotton Kingdom'.
This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.
All music from Epidemic Sounds.
Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.
