Class 2 - LESSON 2 - Columbus and the New World

Multiple Choice

Using your knowledge of Unit 1 and examining the map, which of the following statements is NOT true?

• Land routes were blocked off to the Europeans by the Ottoman Empire.

• Europeans were unable to locate a route to India via the water.

• European explorers tried sailing close to the coasts of Africa to avoid losing sight of land.

• A typical explorer would be away at sea for months or even years at a time.

Multiple Choice

Why do you think Columbus's idea to sail across the ocean was initially turned down when he pitched his idea to several kingdoms?

• His idea was considered too risky and unlikely to succeed.

• He did not have enough money to fund the voyage.

• He wanted to sail around Africa instead of across the ocean.

• He was not a citizen of those kingdoms.

Multiple Choice

Why did the Spanish King and Queen decide to give Columbus a chance after others had turned him down?

• They wanted to compete with Portugal for trade routes.

• They believed Columbus would find gold.

• They thought Columbus was a famous explorer.

• They wanted to conquer new lands immediately.

Fill in the Blank

Columbus sailed west across the ___ Ocean in 1492.

Multiple Choice

According to Columbus's calculations, where was he aiming to reach, and what was significant about his math?

• Japan; his math was correct but he underestimated the distance.

• India; his math was completely wrong.

• China; he ignored the existence of the Americas.

• Africa; he wanted to find a new trade route.

Multiple Select

Imagine being an explorer on a small, wooden ship, in the middle of the ocean for THREE MONTHS. What challenges do you think Columbus and his men faced after being at sea for several months? Select all that apply.

• Lack of food and fresh water

• Fear of the unknown

• Mutiny or unrest among the crew

• Accurate maps of the Americas

Fill in the Blank

Although aiming for Asia, Columbus actually landed in the present-day country of: ____________.

Open Ended

Describe what you see in this photo. Be specific, and point out at least THREE things happening, the people, etc. Finally, characterize the painting - how did the Europeans draw this historic moment?

Multiple Choice

Why did Columbus refer to the people he met as 'Indians'?

• He thought he was in India

• He wanted to insult them

• He knew they were Native Americans

• He was following orders

Multiple Choice

According to the images, how did the first people arrive in North and South America?

• They sailed from Europe.

• They migrated from Asia across a land bridge.

• They were always there.

• They came from Africa by boat.

Open Ended

Explain why Columbus is considered the #2 most important person in the last 1,000 years according to the book mentioned in the image. What was the significance of his actions for the human race?