10. Which of these best describes the decline of the Native American population during the time of European exploration an
settlement?
A) A rapid, massive decline beginning with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire
B) A rapid, massive decline beginning shortly after the arrival of Columbus in the New World
IC) A slow, gradual decline beginning with the establishment of permanent European settlements in the Americas
D) A slow, gradual decline following the first smallpox outbreak in the Caribbean