Question

which option describes one reason europeans were able to gain dominance over the americas in the late 1400s and early 1500s?
europe’s large population forced migration to the americas.
european diseases killed many people in the americas.
europeans and africans joined forces to attack indigenous peoples.
european explorers had excellent geographic knowledge.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Europe's population wasn't so large in the late 1400s - early 1500s to force migration; colonization was more about exploration and resources, not forced migration due to overpopulation.
• Option 2: When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they brought diseases like smallpox, measles, etc. Indigenous peoples had no immunity, so many died, weakening their societies and making it easier for Europeans to gain dominance.
• Option 3: Initially, Africans were brought as slaves, and there was no large - scale joining of forces between Europeans and Africans to attack Indigenous peoples at this early stage of colonization.
• Option 4: European explorers' geographic knowledge was limited; they were exploring new routes and lands, and their knowledge of the Americas was minimal at first.

Answer:

B. European diseases killed many people in the Americas