Which of the following contributed most to the increasing use of African slave labor instead of Native American labor in colonial Spain?

Question

Choose 1 answer:
Choose 1 answer:
(Choice A) Enslaved Africans were immune to most diseases spread by the Spanish, while indigenous people were not.
A
Enslaved Africans were immune to most diseases spread by the Spanish, while indigenous people were not.
(Choice B) Enslaved Africans had already converted to Christianity, satisfying the Spanish crown.
B
Enslaved Africans had already converted to Christianity, satisfying the Spanish crown.
(Choice C) Enslaved Africans had knowledge of where to find gold and silver mines in the Americas.
C
Enslaved Africans had knowledge of where to find gold and silver mines in the Americas.
(Choice D) Enslaved Africans could cultivate cash crops at a faster rate, satisfying European demands for agricultural products.
D
Enslaved Africans could cultivate cash crops at a faster rate, satisfying European demands for agricultural products.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(Choice A) Enslaved Africans were immune to most diseases spread by the Spanish, while indigenous people were not.

This choice highlights the significant impact of disease on Native American populations, which were severely affected by European diseases to which they had no prior exposure. In contrast, Africans had some level of immunity to certain diseases, making them a more desirable labor force for the Spanish colonists.