Question

Read this quote: “Before Spanish arrival there is estimated to be about 60 million people in the Americas. After Spanish arrival this population shrank to about 6 million people.” Using evidence from the quotation, which statement correctly analyzes the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule?(1 point) Responses Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies. Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies. Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system. Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system. Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule. Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule. Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.

Answer 1

The statement that correctly analyzes the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule is:

Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies.

This is supported by the evidence in the quote, which indicates a drastic decline in the population from approximately 60 million to 6 million after Spanish arrival. This significant decrease would have resulted in fewer laborers available for work, undermining the colonial economy and potentially weakening the overall effectiveness of Spanish control.