The production of the mines mentioned in the passage most directly contributed to which of the following in the period 1450–1750 (C) E.?

(A) The prosecution of a variety of wars by the Spanish Hapsburgs across the world (B) The development of a vibrant merchant class in Spain (C) A decrease in patronage of religious activities by the monarchs of Spain (D) A decrease in the frequency of voyages of exploration undertaken by the SpanishExplanation: The mines in the passage produced silver, as stated in the first paragraph. The Spanish government relied on the silver shipments from the New World to finance its far-flung military efforts. Eliminate (B) because the Spanish never created the kind of merchant class that existed in England or the Netherlands. Eliminate (C) as well, since the Spanish monarchs were staunch supporters and patrons of Catholicism. Finally, eliminate (D) because the Spanish sent their galleons on voyages of exploration far and wide. The correct answer is (A).