Which of the following best explains why many Indigenous populations decreased immensely after European settlement?(1 point) Responses Indigenous groups became sick from new diseases, and recurring epidemics led to widespread death in some communities. Indigenous groups became sick from new diseases, and recurring epidemics led to widespread death in some communities. European settlers frequently attacked Indigenous communities with superior weapons technology, killing many of them. European settlers frequently attacked Indigenous communities with superior weapons technology, killing many of them. Many Indigenous communities left the region and relocated to other parts of North America. Many Indigenous communities left the region and relocated to other parts of North America. Although many Indigenous peoples started trade relationships, the relationships were not successful and led to war. Although many Indigenous peoples started trade relationships, the relationships were not successful and led to war.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the immense decrease in many Indigenous populations after European settlement is: Indigenous groups became sick from new diseases, and recurring epidemics led to widespread death in some communities.

While conflicts and attacks from European settlers did contribute to the decline of Indigenous populations, the introduction of new diseases by Europeans, to which Indigenous communities had no immunity, was the primary cause of the drastic population decreases during this period.