World War Z Flashcards: Pages 1-45

Narrator's Task and Conflict

• The narrator's primary role is to compile a detailed report on the war for submission to the United Nations.
• Conflict arises between the narrator and the U.N. Chairperson due to emotional content in the report, leading to significant portions being deleted.

Commission's Focus and Emotional Connection

• The commission emphasized the need for factual evidence, data, and concrete proof regarding the war.
• Human and emotional factors are identified as vital connections to the past.

Post-War Changes in the U.S.

• The U.S. has experienced a significant decline in population and economic struggles, although there are signs of slow recovery towards pre-war conditions.
• The introduction of universal healthcare reflects changes in public policy after the war.

Demographic Shifts and Outbreak Origins

• Pre-war population of greater Chongqing was 35 million, which dramatically dropped to 50,000 post-war.
• The outbreak is believed to have originated in Old Dachang.

Perspectives on the Outbreak

• An older doctor prioritizes helping people rather than chasing profit, differing from younger counterparts.
• New Dachang was relocated due to flooding caused by the Three Gorges Dam.

Infection Narrative

• The first human infected, referred to as "Patient Zero," was a twelve-year-old boy bitten while searching underwater for heirlooms.
• A sense of urgency emerged from doctors at the Institute of Infectious Diseases, advocating for quarantine measures after signs of infection appeared.

Cultural and Societal Reactions

• Superstitious beliefs in local communities led to accusations of divine punishment for the presumption of Fengdu's destruction.
• Smuggling flourished as the wealthy sought to escape infected areas, transforming from item-smuggling to evacuation of affluent individuals.

Spread of Infection

• The infection spread to Europe through smuggling routes, particularly via lesser-developed countries.
• Initial cases in Paris traced back to a couple arriving just ahead of symptomatic onset.

Reflections on Tragedy

• Jacob Nyathi's escape is marked by haunting memories of family left behind during a chaotic evacuation.
• A disparate diagnosis early in the outbreak suggested rabies.

Global Response and Preparedness

• Jurgen Warmbrunn’s background as a spy contributed to his awareness of the outbreak through decoded communications.
• Israel's preparedness stemmed from their ongoing geopolitical tensions, compared to other nations.

Resistance and Perception

• Contrasting perspectives emerged about the strategical responses to the outbreak, as demonstrated in Saladin Kader’s initial skepticism of Warmbrunn's plans.
• Personal transformation occurs in Kader after witnessing sacrifice during an attack, reshaping his views on the Jewish population.

Military and Political Tensions

• Israeli civilians demonstrated unrest against their government for requesting abandonment of sacred sites, leading to failed insurgency due to lack of military experience among non-combatants.
• Kader's realization of his ignorance about Jews signals a pivotal change in personal beliefs amidst conflict.