Use the quote to answer the question.

“In Brazil, they [the Portuguese] also outnumbered Indigenous people. It is estimated that today Indigenous populations are seven percent of what they originally were in 1500.”
Which statement correctly analyzes whether the quote is a strength or weakness of Portuguese control?

A, Lower Indigenous populations strengthened Portuguese colonial control because it made leading revolts much more difficult.

B, Lower Indigenous populations weakened Portuguese colonial control because the death of so many indigenous people led colonists to revolt.

C, Lower Indigenous populations strengthened Portuguese colonial control because colonial authorities felt the need to please their Indigenous subjects.

D, Lower Indigenous populations weakened Portuguese colonial control because they had fewer workers to boost the economy.

1 answer

The statement that correctly analyzes the quote is:

A, Lower Indigenous populations strengthened Portuguese colonial control because it made leading revolts much more difficult.

This assessment highlights that with a significantly reduced Indigenous population, the potential for organized resistance or revolts against Portuguese control became less likely, thereby strengthening their dominance in the region.