Age of Exploration Part One

Which of the following people reached North America first?

• The Spanish

• The British

• The Vikings

• The Portuguese

Answer explanation

Centuries before Columbus’ arrival in the New World, archaeologists have found evidence proving that Viking explorers had reached the North American territory now known as Newfoundland, as early as 1000 AD.

Which of the following is the primary reason that European rulers became interested in trans-Atlantic exploration beginning in the 15th century?

• They were curious about whether or not the world was round.

• They were seeking an overseas trading route to Asia.

• They wanted to become allies with Western Hemisphere natives.

• They were looking to relocate their European empires to a new continent.

Answer explanation

Trade with Asia was very profitable for Europeans, however, it was also very dangerous. The early trade routes were fraught with the danger of being robbed or succumbing to harsh environmental obstacles. As a result, there was much to be gained by finding a safer, more direct route.

Which of the following played a key role in the European Age of Exploration that emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries?

• Advancements in sea-faring technology

• New lands with the possibility for European expansion

• An interest in developing a sea route to Asia for trade

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The combination of better ships, better navigation techniques, and the possibilities for economic gain drew European rulers to the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries. The potential rewards of successful expeditions had, for the first time, proved to outweigh the risks.

Christopher Columbus sailed for the New World on behalf of which European country?

• Italy

• Spain

• England

• Portugal

Answer explanation

Though Christopher Columbus was a Genoan, he was unable to receive support for his expedition to North America from his home country. Instead, Columbus turned to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to finance his journeys to the New World.

What was the goal of Columbus’s second voyage to the New World?

• To establish permanent colonies in the New World

• To convert natives to Christianity

• To find a sea route to Asia

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Columbus' second voyage was a mission of colonization and exploration. He was given 17 ships and over 1,000 men. He also brought domesticated animals, including horses, pigs, and cattle. His orders were to expand the settlement on Hispaniola, convert natives to Christianity, and continue his search for Japan and China.

Which of the following is true about the Treaty of Tordesillas?

• It established peace between the Spanish in North America and their neighboring native cultures.

• It ended a long-standing military conflict between Spain and Portugal.

• It was created to avoid conflicts between Catholic Church and the Church of England.

• It created a boundary line to divide the land discovered in the New World between Spain and Portugal.

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Tordesillas played a pivotal role in the future colonization of the New World. Following the discovery of the New World by Columbus, the Spanish and Portuguese were both eager to stake claims in the territory. The Treaty of Tordesillas was put in place to avoid potential disputes over land claims.

Which of the following was an advantage for the Spanish conquistadors in their efforts to defeat larger native armies in Central and South America?

• Superior weaponry

• A lack of unity between native cultures

• The use of horses

• All of the Above

Answer explanation

The Spanish did not need to have superior numbers to defeat the native cultures since they had significant advantages in technology and tactics. The inability of the native cultures to work together against the strength of the European weapons would inevitably be a key part of their collective downfall.

Which of the following European explorers was the first to complete an eastern all-sea route to Asia?

• Christopher Columbus

• Marco Polo

• Vasco da Gama

• Ferdinand Magellan

Answer explanation

In 1497, Vasco da Gama journeyed around Africa’s treacherous Cape of Good Hope. He arrived safely in Calicut, India the following year, becoming the first European to complete such a journey.

___________ was the first Spaniard to land on the mainland of North America. His 1513 expedition sought to find gold as well as the fabled Fountain of Youth in the land now known as Florida.

• Christopher Columbus

• Marco Polo

• Juan Ponce de León

• Vasco da Gama

Answer explanation

Ponce de León’s expedition was not successful, however, it did lay the groundwork for the founding of St. Augustine, the first European military fort on the North American mainland.

Who was the first European explorer to discover the Pacific Ocean?

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

• Hernán Cortés

• Marco Polo

• Ferdinand Magellan

Answer explanation

Balboa’s 1510 expedition through Panama resulted in Europe’s first realization that there was another ocean on the western side of the New World.