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)
O Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule. O Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system.
O Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies.
O Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.