Excerpt from a statement by Pedro de Peralta, Governor of New Mexico, 1610
Let no one argue with vain words that I do not have the power and authority that the Pope in Rome has, or that if his holiness were [here] in New Mexico he could do more than I. Believe that I can arrest, cast into irons, and punish as seems fit to me any person without any exception who is not obedient to the commandments of the Church and mine.
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
What inference regarding the manner of Spanish colonization in New Mexico does the statement support?
A.
Spanish colonists built their settlements near Native American pueblos to encourage economic and religious ties.
B.
Spanish authorities tried to rule Native Americans through the application of violence and forced conversion.
C.
Spanish missionaries established paternal relations with Native Americans that fostered a friendly cultural exchange.
D.
Spanish officials governed conquered tribes through a combination of helpful economic incentives and tough military laws.