Compare and contrast the impact of religious orders in New France and in Spanish America.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between New France and Spanish America in terms of the impact of religious orders, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of each. Consequences/results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. For comparison, candidates may refer to the common aim of conversion to Christianity (with coercion as an acceptable method), the unintended spread of disease that resulted in severe depopulation and the acquisition of knowledge as to flora, fauna and geography. Candidates may contrast how successful the conversion efforts were (such as the relative failure of the Jesuits among the Huron and the more successful efforts of the Catholic missions in New Spain) and the extent of protection the religious orders were able to provide against harmful colonial influence, such as the introduction of slavery and alcohol. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between New France and Spanish America in terms of the impact of religious orders.