Final answer:
The European conquest of the Western Hemisphere was c) both beneficial and harmful. The Columbian Exchange, mercantilism, and colonization brought advancements and changes to societies but also led to the oppression and cultural devastation of indigenous populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Was European conquest more beneficial or harmful to the Western Hemisphere? This question does not have a straightforward answer, as it involves complex historical consequences and diverse perspectives. From one angle, the European conquest led to the Columbian Exchange, which brought profound changes to global trade, agriculture, and ecology by introducing new crops, animals, and other resources across continents.
Moreover, the European conquest facilitated a mercantilist economy that was structured to benefit the colonial powers at the expense of the colonies. Colonization often came with exploitation, slavery, and subjugation. The Treaty of Tordesillas and Spain's Encomienda System are examples of institutional structures that led to the oppression of native peoples and the extraction of wealth for European benefits.
In terms of societal and cultural effects, European colonialism often resulted in the displacement and often significant reduction of indigenous populations. Entire cultures were altered or erased, and the psychological and social ramifications of these changes continue to be felt today. Balancing out these realities are postcolonial theories that aim to understand the complex legacies of colonial power dynamics.