Which disease was the most deadly weapon used by the Spanish conquerors against the original inhabitants of A…

Question

Which disease was the most deadly weapon used by the Spanish conquerors against the original inhabitants of America?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **C — Smallpox** The most deadly weapon of the Spanish conquerors was the germ of **smallpox**. America's original inhabitants had no immunity against it, and it killed and decimated whole communities. *Source: Chapter 3, Section 1.3 — Conquest, Disease and Trade* --- ## Explanation The passage explicitly states: *"the most powerful weapon of the Spanish conquerors was not a conventional military weapon at all. It was the germs such as those of smallpox."* Examiners expect you to recall this specific disease. In MCQs, always justify briefly if space allows — it reinforces your answer and avoids mark loss due to ambiguity.

Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question