Discuss the reasons for the emergence of syncretism in the Americas.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the emergence of syncretism in the Americas. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to syncretism as relevant to the contact between all European colonial elements and their relationship with indigenous populations and African slaves, whether in Spanish, Portuguese, French or British colonial settlements. Syncretism included the mixing of Amerindian, African, Catholic and Protestant religious culture. Latin American Catholic colonies were more accepting of syncretism while North American Protestants resisted syncretism. African slaves and indigenous people disguised their beliefs in the form of Orishas (spirits of lesser deities) in the form of Catholic saints. Candidates may also discuss the attempts by religious and political officials to suppress syncretism.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the emergence of syncretism in the Americas. There were few candidates able to define syncretism or discuss its reasons for emergence.