Question

spanish colonies in the americas
christopher columbus and other explorers and conquistadors claimed land in north and south america or spain. this land was called new spain. acquiring this land was important. any country that claimed the land could also claim its resources and made spain a wealthy and powerful nation.
spanish soldiers, priests, and settlers began to arrive in new spain. the soldiers protected the priests and colonists. the priests were sent by the spanish king. they helped settle the land by building missions. the missions used indigenous people as laborers and, in addition, wanted to convert them to christianity.
a number of early missions grew into very large ranches with many church buildings. towns grew around the missions and set up local governments. on missions and elsewhere in new spain, many indigenous peoples were forced to work for the spanish.
competition in the americas
other european countries quickly became interested in north and south america. like spain, they wanted to acquire more land and resources. spain, england, france, portugal, and the netherlands competed with one another for wealth

1. what was a primary reason why acquiring land in the americas was considered important for spain?

a. it allowed spain to claim valuable resources and increase its national wealth.
b. spain wanted to trade land with other european nations for resources
c. it provided a place for the spanish king to move his permanent residence
d. it was the only way for spanish soldiers to find employment.

1. what often happened as missions grew larger?

a. they disappeared.
b. they turned into schools.
c. towns grew around them.
d. they became military forts.

1. what is the central idea of the passage?

a. european countries worked together to share land peacefully.
b. european countries competed for land, resources, and power in the americas.
c. france

Explanation:

Question 1

• Option A: The text states that acquiring land let Spain claim resources and become wealthy, matching this option.
• Option B: There's no mention of Spain trading land for resources.
• Option C: The text doesn't say the King moved his residence.
• Option D: The text doesn't state land acquisition was the only way for soldiers to find jobs.

• The text says "Towns grew around the missions and set up local governments" as missions grew, so Option C matches.
• Option A is wrong as missions grew into larger entities with towns around.
• Option B: Missions were for settlement and conversion, not turning into schools.
• Option D: Missions were for settlement, not becoming military forts.

• The text talks about Spain, England, France, etc., competing for land, resources, and power in the Americas. Option B aligns with this.
• Option A is wrong as the text implies competition, not peaceful sharing.

Answer:

A. It allowed Spain to claim valuable resources and increase its national wealth.

Question 2