In the mid-1800s an American plant lice made its way to Europe. It wasn't Native Americans returning the disease favor but the sap-sucking aphids still did a number on France, killing the rebounding post-French Revolution, post-Napoleon economy.

The obnoxious little grape phylloxera were the result of mad science experiments - but since it was old-timey, random experimentation a lot of environmental activists would regard it as far superior to precise, controlled modification.
 
40 percent of the ruined vineyards later, and the damage was done.This inforgraphic,presented by: Mocavo - Genealogy Search, has the details.


Via: Presented by: Mocavo - Genealogy Search