Evaluate the political impact of the Catholic Church in Spanish America.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the political impact of the Catholic Church in Spanish America, weighing up the strengths and limitations. Candidates may refer to the role of Pope Alexander VI, who in 1493, granted the Castilian kings the right to conquer America under the obligation to Christianize the population. They may also refer to the aid the Catholic church provided to legitimize the new Spanish authorities, presenting kings and conquerors as new rulers favoured with God’s support. The Catholic church also helped to remove traditional native leaders and local religious authorities accusing them of barbaric practices. Candidates may argue that, in certain cases, the Catholic church could support local chiefs who were baptized and adopted Catholicism. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the Catholic interpretation of the conquest as part of a divine plan. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the political impact of the Catholic Church in Spanish America, weighing up the strengths and limitations.