Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

What was a major effect of the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica?

1. The decimation of native populations exposed to European diseases

2. The formation of alliances of native peoples to resist the Spanish invaders

3. The revival of Maya culture

4. The expulsion of Catholic missionaries

The correct answer is: The decimation of native populations exposed to European diseases

The choice that highlights the major effect of the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica is that the decimation of native populations exposed to European diseases had a profound and lasting impact. Following the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century, indigenous people were introduced to diseases such as smallpox, influenza, and measles, to which they had no prior immunity. The result was catastrophic; estimates suggest that millions of indigenous people died, leading to severe population declines in Mesoamerican civilizations. This demographic collapse weakened the social structures and resistance capabilities of native societies, making them more susceptible to conquest and colonization. The impact of disease facilitated Spanish domination, rendering many of the indigenous groups unable to organize effective resistance. The other options, while noteworthy, do not reflect the pivotal consequence of the immediate aftermath of conquest to the same extent. Native alliances did form in certain areas, but there was also significant fragmentation that undermined coordinated resistance. The revival of Maya culture did not occur as a direct consequence of conquest; instead, it was often suppressed during colonization. Lastly, the expulsion of Catholic missionaries was not a major outcome of the conquest, as missionary efforts actually intensified during this period in an attempt to convert indigenous populations. Thus, the widespread loss