Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of the Spanish missions in California in the eighteenth century such as that of Father Junipero Serra?

A) Native practices such as traditional dancing and healing became major offenses punishable by death.
B) Native populations declined by more than a third due to exposure to disease and environmental changes.
C) The Spanish missionaries forged a partnership with newly arrived Russian settlers in California based on trade.
D) The Catholic Church rejected the harsh treatment of Native Americans by mission leaders such as Serra and excommunicated them.
E) Spanish priests developed a close relationship with nearby Native Americans such that they were equal partners.

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Stefan Dawidowski · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  The Spanish missions in California in the eighteenth century led to a significant decline in Native populations due to the spread of new diseases, forced labor, and environmental changes. Native practices such as traditional dancing and healing were discouraged, but death was not a common punishment for such offenses. While there were some interactions with Russian settlers in California, there was no partnership based on trade. The Catholic Church did not reject the treatment of Native Americans by mission leaders and did not excommunicate them. While there were some instances of friendly relationships between Spanish priests and Native Americans, there were significant power imbalances and unequal partnerships.

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