Analyze the following statements about the Spanish Empire. What influenced the spread of Christianity from Europe to the Americas?(1 point)

Question

Responses

When Spain was fully formed as its own political entity, the Spanish were able to translate their religious history into missionary voyages to the New World. They used both peaceful and extremely violent methods of conversion on Indigenous populations.
When Spain was fully formed as its own political entity, the Spanish were able to translate their religious history into missionary voyages to the New World. They used both peaceful and extremely violent methods of conversion on Indigenous populations.

The joining of Navarre and Aragon allowed the Spanish to acquire Granada. The tactics used to acquire Granada were violent. After the union, Spain was able to freely enact the pope’s will and spread Catholicism to the New World.
The joining of Navarre and Aragon allowed the Spanish to acquire Granada. The tactics used to acquire Granada were violent. After the union, Spain was able to freely enact the pope’s will and spread Catholicism to the New World.

After Spain merged the kingdoms of Granada and Portugal, it was able to use Portugal as a launching point to spread Christianity to the Americas. Spain used both peaceful and extremely violent methods of conversion on Indigenous populations in the New World.
After Spain merged the kingdoms of Granada and Portugal, it was able to use Portugal as a launching point to spread Christianity to the Americas. Spain used both peaceful and extremely violent methods of conversion on Indigenous populations in the New World.

When Spain was fully formed as its own political entity, the Spanish were able to translate their religious history into missionary voyages to the New World. Spain would use the example of the conquest of Granada to peacefully convert Indigenous populations, avoiding violence at all costs.

Answer 1

The spread of Christianity from Europe to the Americas during the time of the Spanish Empire was influenced by a combination of political formation, military conquests, and a religious mandate, all of which are reflected in the provided statements. Here's an analysis of the different aspects mentioned:

1. Political Formation and Religious History: The first statement emphasizes how the political consolidation of Spain, particularly after the Reconquista, enabled the country to undertake missionary voyages. The mention of both peaceful and violent methods suggests a readiness to use force when necessary, reflecting the complexities of religious conversion during this period.

2. Conquest of Granada and Papal Support: The second statement ties the acquisition of Granada to the broader mission of spreading Catholicism. The violent tactics used in Granada illustrate how military successes were closely linked to religious goals, supported by the Catholic Church. The reference to enacting the pope’s will symbolizes the close relationship between imperial expansion and religious aspirations.

3. Merging of Kingdoms and Use of Portugal: The third statement incorrectly implies that Spain merged with Portugal. While both were involved in the Age of Discovery, they remained separate entities; however, Portuguese exploration did influence Spanish efforts. The idea of using Portugal as a launching point for Christianity emphasizes the maritime strategies employed during this era.

4. Example of Granada for Peaceful Conversion: The fourth statement contrasts with the others by suggesting a purely peaceful approach based on the conquest of Granada. This perspective is less historically accurate, as the Reconquista was marked by significant violence, and the subsequent methods of evangelization in the New World were similarly brutal at times.

In summary, the spread of Christianity from Europe to the Americas was heavily influenced by political unity, military conquest, and the support of the Catholic Church, often resulting in a combination of peaceful and violent conversion efforts. The statements reflect these various influences, though not all provide an accurate portrayal of historical events. The first and second statements offer the most insight into the complexities of this process.