Question 1

Which of the following events was most directly caused by the exchange network depicted in the diagram?
- The rise of capitalism among European nations
- The development of the encomienda system
- The spread of Christianity across the Americas
- The intermarriage of Spanish conquerors and native women
- The Reformation in Europe
Explanation: Note: the diagram was created by the question writer.
Mineral wealth in the form of gold and silver facilitated the European shift from feudalism to capitalism. While the other events did occur in the selected time period (late 15th century - 16th century), the shift towards capitalism can be the most directly tied to the Columbian exchange.