help need answer for test....please help me...please?

Question

How did Spain and Portugal rise to be the predominant European powers in the sixteenth century?
a. They exploited the human and natural resources of the New World and Africa.
b. They converted to Protestantism immediately after the Reformation.
c. They were the first the only nations with gunpowder and the printing press.
d. They embraced democracy and capitalism.
e. all of the above

Answer 1

a. They exploited the human and natural resources of the New World and Africa.

You must also understand that during this period of history, those who controlled the sea controlled the movement of economic goods. France, Spain and England were the primary nations of Europe who developed large, well equipped navies.

England was a naval power prior to the others because they were the gateway to the fishing grounds of Iceland and the North Atlantic long before the 16th century. When 1492 came along (you know, the Italian guy who found "The New World" for Spain) it just opened new sources of raw materials and Spain's economic development accelerated greatly. Spain combined the endless supply of raw materials from the New World with the endless supply of free labour from the Dark Continent to develop a powerful economy. The sixteenth century was an "Age of Colonialism".

This test question as a great stepping stone to study colonialism and how it is affecting political relationships today.

Answer 2

I would say e, but they also had ships that sailed the ocean blue and the knowledge that you would not fall off the edge if you travelled out very far. Spain also had Queen Isabella and she knew enough to hire outside of her country to pick up sea captains that had the balls to go the distance. they were also close to the Meditterean and saw the riches of the East come to their shores so figuring out a sea route eliminated the thieves and robbers that a land route presented. In finding that sea route they uncovered riches that they had never before dreamed possible.

Answer 3

A
During the mid-1500s, Spain was assisted by rising profits from American silver mines (as well as military and political adaptations), which continued into the mid 17th century.
Portugal had control over India trade due to it's conquest of Brazil, which was good.

Answer 4

They were the first the only nations with gunpowder and the printing press

PS I failed the 8th grade

Answer 5

the answer is A. by the way, whatever teacher put you up to this must be a commy

Answer 6

a, but once again not sure. Probably don't even want me answering if I don't know but i think it's a