Exploration and Exchange: A Journey Through History

What was the primary reason for the European exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries?

• To spread Christianity

• To find new trade routes to Asia

• To explore unknown lands for the sake of discovery

• To establish diplomatic relations with other empires

Answer explanation

European Exploration was propelled by advancements in navigation (Ships, Maps, Tools, etc.) , the demand for Eastern goods (Spices...), and the three G's (God, Gold, Glory).

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

• An agreement that ended the war between Spain and Portugal

• A treaty that divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Portugal and Spain

• A peace treaty between European nations to stop colonization

• An economic agreement to share resources found in the New World

Answer explanation

In theory, the Treaty of Tordesillas divided the New World into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence. The treaty amended papal bulls issued by Pope Alexander VI in 1493. These declarations had granted Spain an exclusive claim to the entirety of North and South America.

What was the main motive behind Portuguese exploration in the 15th century?

• To conquer new lands

• To spread Christianity

• To find a sea route to India

• To search for legendary cities of gold

Answer explanation

Arab and Italian traders had a firm grasp on trade with the far east. Portugal needed to go through these areas to attain goods, which cost Portuguese traders money. Portugal needed to find another route to Eastern (Chinese and Indian) goods, so they looked for an all water route.

What was the Encomienda System?

• A system where Native Americans were given land and freedom

• A trade agreement between European settlers and Native Americans

• A labor system where Native Americans were forced to work for Spanish landlords

• A military alliance between European settlers and Native American tribes

Answer explanation

As a result of the encomienda system, many indigenous people were forced into slavery. Ecomienda leaders abused and took advantage of their laborers. Because of European diseases, most laborers died, and a need for labor rose. Europeans looked to Western Africa for more slave labor. Most Africans were immune to old world diseases.

Why did Europeans see Africans as a better source of labor for the New World plantations?

• Africans were skilled farmers

• Africans were immune to European diseases

• Africans were considered more intelligent

• Africans were easier to transport

What was the Atlantic Slave Trade?

• The trade of goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas

• The migration of Europeans to Africa

• The forced movement of Africans to the Americas to work as slaves

• A trade route that connected the Atlantic Ocean with the Indian Ocean

Answer explanation

The triangle trade consisted of three major legs: 1. Goods were moved from Europe to West Africa and traded for humans (Slaves). 2. Slaves were moved to the Americas (Middle Passage), and resources were picked up. 3. Resources are taken to Europe to be manufactured into goods.

What was the Middle Passage?

• The journey of Europeans to the Americas

• The route taken by slaves from Africa to the Americas

• The trade route between Europe and the Middle East

• The passage of goods from the Americas to Europe

Answer explanation

This was a 6-8 week journey of appalling conditions for slaves from Africa to the Americas. The majority of Slaves were taken to Brazil and the Caribbean.

How did the European need for resources affect the New World?

• It led to the development of sustainable agriculture in the New World

• It resulted in the exploitation and depletion of New World resources

• It had no significant impact on the New World

• It improved the economy of the New World through fair trade

Answer explanation

An immediate impact of European Exploration was European impact on the Western Culture. Example: The encomienda system promoted Christian Conversion of native people.

What was one of the main economic outcomes of the Columbian Exchange for Europe?

• Economic decline due to expensive imports from the Americas

• Introduction of new crops that improved European diets and economies

• Loss of workforce due to emigration to the Americas

• Increased competition with Asian markets

Answer explanation

Almost all global economies were stimulated because of the Columbian Exchange.

Which of the following diseases was NOT brought to the Americas by Europeans?

• Smallpox

• Influenza

• Tuberculosis

• Malaria

Answer explanation

The introduction of European diseases to the New World (Americas), had one of the greatest impact on the deaths of 50-90% of Indigenous groups in the Americas, and the fall of major pre-columbian empires like the Aztec and Inca.