Columbus Primary Source Quiz-Based off NEWSELA Articles

The country that benefited from Columbus' voyage to the Americas was

When he first found the islands, Columbus thought he had landed on

Read the selection from the text. 

Hispaniola has spices, gold and different metals.

What does this selection show that Columbus hoped to gain from the people of Hispaniola?

• 1. information about their religion

• 1. new scientific discoveries

• 1. trade goods and wealth

• 1. land and property

Why did the people of Juana run from Columbus and his men?

• They heard about how dangerous Europeans could be and decided to hide instead of meeting them.

• 1. They were enemies of Spain and had to run, or else they would be arrested.

• 1. They had never seen Europeans before and were afraid of the unknown people.

• They ran to get goods for trading with the Europeans.

Why is Columbus historically significant?

• 1. He wanted lower taxes

• 1. He gathered gold for Spain.

• 1. He helped Spain colonize Hispanola.

• 1. He wanted to control where ships could land.

Columbus’ Letter to the King and Queen

Based on the section "1 Chest With 2 Locks," which of the following statements is TRUE?

“The gold will be shipped from the island to Castile, Spain. Both the gold belonging to your Highnesses and the property of everyone else will be aboard the ship. It should all be placed in 1 chest with 2 locks. If any gold whatsoever is found outside of the chest, it shall be given to your Highnesses.

All the ships that come from Española shall sail to the port of Cadiz, Spain. No person shall leave the ship or other person be permitted to go on board until the ship has been checked by the person chosen by your Highnesses. The master shall show all that he carries to this chosen person. He must show the list of all the cargo, so that it may be seen and checked. Nothing can be hidden and not known at the time of landing.

The chest in which the gold has been carried shall be opened in the presence of the judges of Cadiz, Spain, and of the person chosen by your Highnesses. Each owner shall be given his own property.”

• 1. Columbus expected to find only a limited amount of gold that could be held in a single chest.

• 1. Columbus wanted to stop the Spanish colonists from taking all of the native people’s gold.

• Columbus was concerned about people trying to steal the gold as it was transported back to Spain.

• Columbus thought that the King and Queen were overly anxious about the safety of their gold.

Which selection from the letter BEST supports the idea that Columbus wanted more people to come to the Americas?

• 1. In regard to the Island of Espanola, the number of colonists who desire to go there amounts to 2,000.

• 1. Each town shall have its mayor. It shall also have a record-keeper, as is done in Castile, Spain.

• 1. There will be many who want to look for gold. Everyone will wish to do this instead of working on other jobs.

• 1. When it comes to the discovery of new countries, permission should be given to all who wish to go.

Read the following selection from the first paragraph of Columbus’ letter.

Following your orders, I will explain my plans for colonies and businesses on Espanola and the other islands. I write of both those already discovered and those that may be discovered.

What does Columbus mean by the phrase “those that may be discovered”?

• 1. more businesses might be set up on the island

• 1. additional orders might be given in the future

• 1. more islands might be settled in the future

• 1. additional plans might be revealed at a later date

Read the paragraph below.

There shall be a church. The priests or friars will bless the people. They shall have church services and help the Indians become Christians.

What does Columbus mean when he says that the priests will “help the Indians”?

• They will give bibles and books to the native people

• 1. They will change the religion of the native people

• 1. They will create shared traditions with the native people.

• 1. They will teach the native people about new ideas.

King Ferdinand's Letter to the Taino

Choose the paragraph from the article that BEST expresses what will happen to the Taino-Arawak if they listen to King Ferdinand.

• If you fail to agree, or delay agreeing, we shall use force against you. We shall declare war upon you from all sides and with all possible means. We shall force you to serve the Church and Their Highnesses. We shall enslave your families, sell you or dispose of you as the King sees fit. We shall seize your possessions and harm you as much as we can if you don't listen to the rules. And you will be responsible if anyone dies or gets hurt. The King and Queen will not be responsible. We will not responsible, nor will the gentlemen who have come here with us.

• It has been 5,000 years since the beginning of humankind. During this time, these many generations caused men to divide and establish kingdoms in various parts of the world. From these kingdoms God chose St. Peter as leader of all people. He was leader of all men and women no matter what they believed. He placed St. Peter in Rome as the best place from which to rule the world. But he allowed him to establish his power in all parts of the world and rule all people. He did not care if they were Christians, Moors (Muslims), Jews, Gentiles or any other faith. He was named Pope, which means respect…

• Therefore, we ask that you understand this letter. We ask that you think about what it says within a reasonable time, and recognize the Church and the Pope as rulers of the universe. You must also recognize the King and Queen of Spain as rulers of this land, and allow their holy followers to preach their faith to you. You must follow these rules as a duty to the King. If you do, we will receive you with love and kindness. We will respect your freedom and your family's freedom. We will respect your right to own things. We shall not force you to get baptized unless you choose to. In exchange, th…

• The Pope, who is now dead, gave these islands and the mainland to King Ferdinand and Queen Juana. It is certified in writing and you may see the papers that prove it. Therefore, Their Highnesses are lords and masters of this land. They were and are being served willingly and without a fight. The people who represented them were recognized and obeyed. All of their followers became Christians, not because they were forced but because they wanted to. They remain Christians today. Their Highnesses received their loyalty with joy and goodwill and ordered that they be treated like good and loyal ser…