Question

Which of the following aided the Europeans in fulfilling the goals described in the letter?

A. the presence of Muslim Sufis in the Americas
B. the exchange of domesticated Foods in plants
C. the spread of smallpox to the Aztecs and Incas
D. the failure of the Jesuits

Answer 1

The spread of smallpox to the Aztecs and Incas significantly aided the Europeans in colonizing the Americas by decreasing the indigenous populations, which is associated with the broader concept of the Columbian Exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Columbian Exchange and the events that followed the European discovery and colonization of the Americas involved various factors that aided Europeans in fulfilling their goals. One of these was the spread of smallpox to the Aztecs and Incas, which drastically reduced their populations and made conquest easier for European settlers. The Columbian Exchange, defined as the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas, played a significant role in shifting global dynamics.

It was not only about trade but also included a biological exchange that had profound impacts on both continents. The introduction of diseases, particularly smallpox, to a native population without immunity caused unprecedented mortality rates and changed the balance of power, facilitating European colonization.