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 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. 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 indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system.

1 answer

The correct analysis of the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule, based on the evidence provided in the quote, is:

Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies.

This statement reflects the impact of the drastic population decline on the labor force available for colonial work, which would challenge the sustainability and effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule.