AP Success - AP World History: Colonial Grievances by Bolívar
"Americans today, and perhaps to a greater extent than ever before, who live within the Spanish system occupy a position in society no better than that of serfs destined for labor, or at best they have no more status than that of mere consumers. Yet even this status is surrounded with galling restrictions, such as being forbidden to grow European crops, or to store products which are royal monopolies, or to establish factories of a type the Peninsula itself does not possess. . . In short, do you wish to know what our future held?--simply the cultivation of the fields of indigo, grain, coffee, sugar cane, cacao, and cotton; cattle raising on the broad plains; hunting wild game in the jungles; digging in the earth to mine its gold--but even these limitations could never satisfy the greed of Spain."
A letter by Simón Bolívar, September 6, 1815
Question 1
According to Simón Bolívar's letter, which of the following best describes the economic restrictions placed on the colonies by the Spanish Crown?
Colonists were required to send all of their manufactured goods to Spain for sale.
Colonists were encouraged to diversify their agricultural products to compete with European markets.
Colonists were given subsidies to produce more indigo and sugar cane to support Spain's economy.
Colonists were forbidden to grow certain European crops and establish certain types of factories.
Question 2
Simón Bolívar's letter is indicative of which of the following broader historical processes occurring in the early 19th century?
The transition from feudalism to capitalism within European societies.
The expansion of European mercantilist policies in the Americas.
The establishment of new colonial territories by European powers.
The growing discontent among colonial populations leading to independence movements.
Question 3
Which of the following best reflects the tone of Bolívar's letter regarding the Spanish colonial system?
Supportive of the Spanish Crown's efforts to modernize the colonial economy.
Critical of the limitations imposed on the economic activities of the colonies.
Indifferent to the economic conditions, focusing instead on political representation.
Neutral, providing an objective analysis of the colonial economic policies.
Question 4
Simón Bolívar's reference to 'the greed of Spain' is most directly an expression of which of the following sentiments?
Resentment towards the exploitative nature of colonial economic policies.
Appreciation for the protection and stability provided by the Spanish Empire.
Admiration for the Spanish Crown's efficient management of colonial resources.
Satisfaction with the wealth generated by the colonial relationship with Spain.
Question 5
The limitations on 'the cultivation of the fields of indigo, grain, coffee, sugar cane, cacao, and cotton' as described by Bolívar were most likely intended by the Spanish Crown to:
Promote the economic independence and self-sufficiency of the colonies.
Allow the colonies to freely trade with other European powers and stimulate competition.
Encourage the colonies to develop a diverse and competitive industrial sector.
Ensure that the colonies remained economically dependent on and beneficial to Spain.
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