Origins of Oceanic Connections

Open Ended

What’s one thing you notice about how the continents look different between the Mercator and Robinson projections?

Open Ended

Why do you think Europeans might have preferred the Mercator projection map during the Age of Exploration?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the term 'conquistador'?

• A Spanish soldier-explorer who conquered land in the Americas in the 1500s.

• A large farm where cash crops are grown.

• The movement of people from one place to another.

• A method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are effects of using the Mercator projection in textbooks and navigation?

• It made Europe appear larger and more important.

• It accurately represented the size of Africa.

• It helped navigators sail in straight lines across oceans.

• It created misconceptions about the size of different regions.

Open Ended

What was the biggest motivation behind the European voyages of exploration?

Open Ended

Why were the small islands off the coast of West Africa important to European expansion?

Open Ended

These voyages were dangerous. Why did explorers, merchants, and rulers accept the risks?

Open Ended

What advantages did joint stock companies provide?

Open Ended

Can you think of one economic cause that led to European voyages across the Atlantic Ocean?