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)
Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous
population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies.
Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous
population because it meant they would face less resistance from
colonial populations.
Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases
because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste
system.
Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous
population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule
Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.
Based on the evidence provided in the quotation, the correct statement to analyze the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule would be:
Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule.
To analyze the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule based on the given quote, we need to consider the impact of the population decrease on the rule.
The quote states that before the Spanish arrival, there were approximately 60 million people in the Americas, but after their arrival, the population shrank to about 6 million people.
From this information, it is evident that the indigenous population significantly decreased under Spanish colonial rule.
Analyzing the given answer options:
1. "Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies."
This statement suggests that the decrease in the indigenous population weakened colonial rule by reducing the available workforce. However, this option overlooks other potential consequences of the population decrease.
2. "Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations."
This statement argues that the decrease in the indigenous population strengthened colonial rule by reducing resistance. While this may be a valid perspective, it does not directly address the effectiveness of the rule.
3. "Colonial rule was strengthened by indigenous population decreases because it meant they could focus less on the unpopular social caste system."
This statement suggests that the decrease in the indigenous population allowed for less focus on the unpopular social caste system, potentially strengthening the rule. However, this option does not directly address the effectiveness of the rule.
4. "Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule."
This statement argues that the population decrease weakened colonial rule by leading to more resistance. This option directly addresses the decreased effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule due to the resistance from the reduced indigenous population.
Based on the evidence from the quote and the analysis of the given answer options, the statement that correctly analyzes the effectiveness of Spanish colonial rule is:
"Colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because it led to more resistance to Spanish colonial rule."