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)

Question

Responses

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.
Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system.

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

Answer 1

The most accurate statement that analyzes the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule based on the provided quotation is:

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

This statement reflects the idea that a significant decline in the indigenous population would likely result in reduced resistance to Spanish authority, thereby facilitating the maintenance and consolidation of colonial rule.