The Colonial Epidemic that Explains Modern America Listen Download Embed Share Share this on Facebook (Opens in a new window) Share this on Twitter (Opens in a new window) Share this via Email In 1721, the development of the smallpox vaccine marked a shift away from a colony of faith to the modern political government we know today. ( Everett Historical / Shutterstock ) Produced by Oliver Lazarus Hosted by Todd Zwillich Produced by PRI and WNYC