Questions: Exam Guidelines Exam Instructions Question 1 of 20 : Select the best answer for the question. 1. How did Spain rule its colonies differently than England? A. Spain maintained a much stronger rule over its colonies than England. B. Spain imported African slaves into its colonies, while England didn't. C. England established stronger religious rule over its colonies than Spain. D. England had a rigid social structure based on ancestry, while Spain didn't. Mark for review (Will be highlighted on the review page) Next Question >>

The answer is A. Spain maintained a much stronger rule over its colonies than England.

Spain exercised a centralized and authoritarian control over its colonies. The Spanish Crown established a complex bureaucracy to govern its territories, with viceroys and audiencias (high courts) directly reporting to the monarchy. This system ensured that the colonies remained tightly controlled and loyal to the Spanish Crown. In contrast, England allowed more autonomy to its colonies, with local colonial assemblies and a degree of self-governance, which led to a more decentralized form of rule.

This statement is incorrect. Both Spain and England participated in the transatlantic slave trade and imported African slaves into their colonies. The use of African slaves was widespread in both Spanish and English colonies, particularly in plantation economies.

This statement is also incorrect. Spain was known for its strong religious influence in its colonies, primarily through the Catholic Church. The Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church worked closely to convert indigenous populations to Christianity and establish missions. While religion played a significant role in English colonies, particularly in New England, it was not necessarily stronger than in Spanish colonies.

This statement is incorrect. Both Spanish and English colonies had social hierarchies, but the nature of these hierarchies differed. In Spanish colonies, the social structure was heavily influenced by race and ancestry, with a complex caste system that included peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain), criollos (Spaniards born in the Americas), mestizos (mixed European and indigenous ancestry), and indigenous peoples. English colonies also had social hierarchies, but they were more influenced by wealth and land ownership rather than a formal caste system based on ancestry.