3.3.6 - Quick Check: Spanish Colonization in New Spain
Social Studies 8 Q1 / 3. The Early Americas and European Settlement / 3.3. Spanish Colonization and New Spain
What was the result of Cortes’s defeat of the Aztecs? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
The Spanish thought it brought them more wealth and power.
Cortes had lost so many soldiers in the victory that he had to wait several months for more to arrive from Spain.
The Spanish saw it as proof that they were superior to Native Americans.
The Spanish earned the respect of Native Americans.
Which of the following were reasons the Spanish wanted to colonize the New World? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
to seek wealth
to enter the fur trade
to spread Christianity
to find new medicines
Which choice best describes the relationship Spanish colonists had with Native Americans?
(1 point)
Responses
Native Americans had little interaction with colonists and were free to live as they chose.
Colonists treated Native Americans poorly and many Native Americans died from starvation and disease.
Colonists were curious about Native Americans and were eager to learn their religious rituals.
Colonists and Native Americans lived peacefully together on missions and were equal in social status.
The correct answers are:
- The Spanish thought it brought them more wealth and power.
- The Spanish saw it as proof that they were superior to Native Americans.
The correct answers are:
- to seek wealth
- to spread Christianity
The correct answer is:
- Colonists treated Native Americans poorly and many Native Americans died from starvation and disease.
To answer the first question about the result of Cortes's defeat of the Aztecs, we can analyze each response option.
1. The Spanish thought it brought them more wealth and power.
This statement is true. Cortes's defeat of the Aztecs resulted in the Spanish gaining control over vast amounts of wealth and resources, including gold and silver.
2. Cortes had lost so many soldiers in the victory that he had to wait several months for more to arrive from Spain.
This statement is true. While Cortes achieved victory, his defeat of the Aztecs was a challenging and costly endeavor. Many Spanish soldiers were lost in the process, which necessitated a wait for reinforcements.
3. The Spanish saw it as proof that they were superior to Native Americans.
This statement is true. The Spanish viewed their defeat of the Aztecs as evidence of their superiority over Native Americans. This perception fueled their colonization efforts in the New World.
4. The Spanish earned the respect of Native Americans.
This statement is not true. While some Native Americans may have initially respected the Spanish due to their military prowess, the overall relationship between the Spanish and Native Americans was often marked by exploitation, cruelty, and violence.
Based on this analysis, the correct responses to the first question are:
- The Spanish thought it brought them more wealth and power.
- Cortes had lost so many soldiers in the victory that he had to wait several months for more to arrive from Spain.
- The Spanish saw it as proof that they were superior to Native Americans.
Moving on to the second question about the reasons the Spanish wanted to colonize the New World, we can consider each response option.
1. To seek wealth
This statement is true. The Spanish were motivated by the prospect of acquiring wealth and resources, such as gold and silver, from the New World.
2. To enter the fur trade
This statement is not true. While the fur trade was significant in the colonization of other regions, such as North America, it was not a primary motive for the Spanish in their colonization efforts.
3. To spread Christianity
This statement is true. The Spanish sought to spread Christianity and convert Native Americans to Catholicism as part of their colonization mission.
4. To find new medicines
This statement is not specifically mentioned as a primary motive for Spanish colonization. While exploration and encounters with new plants and substances did lead to some discoveries, the primary focus was on wealth, power, and spreading Christianity.
Based on this analysis, the correct responses to the second question are:
- To seek wealth
- To spread Christianity
Lastly, for the third question about the relationship between Spanish colonists and Native Americans, we can assess each response option.
1. Native Americans had little interaction with colonists and were free to live as they chose.
This statement is not true. Native Americans had extensive interactions with Spanish colonists, primarily due to colonization efforts, missions, and labor demands. Their lives were heavily influenced and impacted by Spanish presence.
2. Colonists treated Native Americans poorly, and many Native Americans died from starvation and disease.
This statement is unfortunately accurate. The relationship between Spanish colonists and Native Americans was often characterized by mistreatment, exploitation, and the introduction of diseases to which Native Americans had little resistance. This resulted in significant loss of life among Native American populations.
3. Colonists were curious about Native Americans and were eager to learn their religious rituals.
This statement is not true. While there may have been some curiosity, the primary goal of Spanish colonists was to impose their own religious beliefs on Native Americans rather than learn or respect their rituals and practices.
4. Colonists and Native Americans lived peacefully together on missions and were equal in social status.
This statement is not true. While there were instances of cooperation and interaction, the relationship between Spanish colonists and Native Americans was not characterized by equality or peaceful coexistence. Native Americans were often subjugated, enslaved, and faced harsh treatment under Spanish rule.
Based on this analysis, the correct response to the third question is:
- Colonists treated Native Americans poorly, and many Native Americans died from starvation and disease.
The correct answers to your questions are:
Question 1: The result of Cortes's defeat of the Aztecs include:
- The Spanish thought it brought them more wealth and power.
- The Spanish saw it as proof that they were superior to Native Americans.
Question 2: The reasons the Spanish wanted to colonize the New World include:
- to seek wealth
- to spread Christianity
Question 3: The choice that best describes the relationship Spanish colonists had with Native Americans is:
- Colonists treated Native Americans poorly and many Native Americans died from starvation and disease.