Question

spanish and portuguese imperialism quick check
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 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.
colonial rule was weakened by decreases in the indigenous population because there were fewer people to work in the colonies.

Explanation:

When the indigenous population decreased, there were fewer people to resist Spanish colonial rule. A smaller population would have a harder time mounting large - scale or effective opposition. The first option about the social caste system is not related to the population decrease in terms of resistance. The fourth option about labor is a different aspect (economic - labor related) rather than about resistance. The second option is incorrect because a decreased population would likely lead to less resistance, not more.

Answer:

Colonial rule was strengthened by decreases in the indigenous population because it meant they would face less resistance from colonial populations.