European Explorer Review

Why were the continents of North America and South America called the New World by Europeans in the 1600s?

• No one lived on these continents before the Europeans arrived.

• These continents had been unknown to the people of Europe.

• Gold and spices were discovered on these continents.

• The people on these continents spoke a different language.

Why did so many Europeans explore North America?

• They wanted to claim land for England.

• They wanted to find out who lived there.

• They wanted to find a shorter trade route to Asia.

• They wanted to trade with Native Americans.

Which explorer realized that the Americas were a new world and not part of Asia? (Hint: The Americas are named after him!)

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Henry Hudson

• Bartolomeu Dias

Which present-day state was founded by Juan Ponce de Leon?

• California

• Texas

• Pennsylvania

• Florida

Who was the first explorer to circumnavigate the world?

• Vasco da Gama

• Martin Frobisher

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Samuel de Champlain

What was the non-existent water route through North America to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans called?

• Hudson River

• Circumnavigate

• The New World

• Northwest Passage