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 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.
Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.

Answer 1

Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.

Reason: the quote shows a dramatic drop (about 60 million to 6 million), which reduced the ability of indigenous societies to resist Spanish control, making colonization easier despite the labor shortages that followed.