Question

Examine the image and answer the question below.
Image of women covered in spots
-Source: Bernardino de Sahagún, Wikimedia Commons, 1576
The image most closely reflects which of the following demographic changes in the Spanish colonies?
Choose 1 answer:
Choose 1 answer:
(Choice A) a decrease in enslaved people of African descent as smallpox spread, but an increase in the number of Spaniards as they were immune
A
a decrease in enslaved people of African descent as smallpox spread, but an increase in the number of Spaniards as they were immune
(Choice B, Checked, Incorrect) an increase in interracial marriages between Spaniards, African people, and Native Americans to pass on immunity
Incorrect (selected)
an increase in interracial marriages between Spaniards, African people, and Native Americans to pass on immunity
It’s true that there were marriages between Spaniards, African, and Native Americans during Spanish colonization, however, immunity was not a primary reason for these marriages.
(Choice C) a decrease in Native Americans and Spaniards as smallpox infected both Native Americans and Spaniards
C
a decrease in Native Americans and Spaniards as smallpox infected both Native Americans and Spaniards
(Choice D) a decrease in Native Americans as smallpox spread, but an increase in Spaniards as they continued to colonize
D
a decrease in Native Americans as smallpox spread, but an increase in Spaniards as they continued to colonize
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Answer 1

The image reflects a significant historical impact of smallpox on the populations in the Spanish colonies. Based on the provided choices, the best answer is:

**(Choice D)** a decrease in Native Americans as smallpox spread, but an increase in Spaniards as they continued to colonize.

This choice highlights the devastating effects of smallpox on the Native American population, who had no prior exposure to the disease and consequently suffered high mortality rates. Meanwhile, the Spanish colonizers brought with them immunity to the disease, allowing them to increase their numbers and continue colonization efforts.