Question

Which of the following statements best describes the role of the Catholic Church in the European conquest of Latin America?
A.
Conquering Latin America was the major goal of the Catholic Church during the Fourth Crusade.
B.
The Catholic Church vehemently opposed the colonization of the New World and threatened excommunication of anyone involved in the conquest.
C.
The Catholic Church supported the conquistadors but was not interested in converting the local populations.
D.
Catholic missionaries converted large numbers of the native populations, and the Catholic Church owned a substantial amount of property.

Answer 1

D.

Catholic missionaries (Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, etc.) converted large numbers of indigenous peoples, established missions, schools, and churches, and the Church came to own substantial property and wield significant social and political influence in colonial Latin America.