An economic consequence of the material wealth returned to Europe due to colonization and exploration was a. increased upward mobility for lower-class citizens. b. a greater reliance on industry rather than agriculture. c. increased government spending on public works initiatives. d. high unemployment, as wealth shifted from goods production to the financial sector.

Option:  b. a greater reliance on industry rather than agriculture.                                

Explanation:

The colonial empire appears to have had both a positive and negative impact on Spain. The colonial possessions increased the power and prestige of the Spanish crown in Europe. The arrival of gold and silver bullion made Seville one of the chief ports of Europe. The colonial trade promoted shipbuilding industries in northern Spain. The economic of Spain remain weak as agriculture was not well developed because of infertile lands. Sheep farming began to take place in these lands.