Which of the following conclusions about the period 1450–1750 (C) E. is most directly supported by the passage?

(A) The population of the Americas declined. (B) Silver flows from the Americas went principally to Europe and Asia. (C) The religious traditions and social customs of the New World were dramatically altered by the arrival of Europeans. (D) Intermarriage between Spanish colonists and natives led to equality between the races.Explanation: The passage indicates that many of the natives sent to the mines did not return. Eliminate (B) because the passage does not say where the silver was spent. Eliminate (C) because the passage does not discuss social transformations. Eliminate (D) because the passage does not indicate that there were any feelings of equality between Spaniards and natives. The best answer is (A).