United States History 10 Preassessment

Why is Christopher Columbus such an important historical figure?

• He proved once and for all that the earth is round

• His discovery led to the colonization of the Americas

• He opened up a new trade route to Asia

• He was the greatest mapmaker of his time

To sail around the globe is called

• circumstance
• circumnavigate
• circumference
• circumven

Which country sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to America?

• Spain

• France

• England

• Portugal

What was the trade route between China and Eastern Europe that Marco Polo traveled on called?

• The Desert Road
• The Spice Trail
• The Eastern Path
• The Silk Road

The red continent is...

• North America

• Africa

• Europe

• Asia

In the 1400s, the first Portuguese explorers sailed along the coast of Africa. What was the main purpose of their voyages?

• finding a water route to India’s spices

• finding natives who would trade with them

• finding slaves who could be sold in other lands

• finding a new world that no European had ever seen

Why did Europeans begin to explore?

• They wanted a new route instead of the Silk Road

• a sea route to Asia would make purchasing goods easier and cheaper

• Europeans wanted to spread Christianity

• all of the above

Columbus discovered "The Americas" while seeking a sea route to ____

• USA

• Europe

• Asia

• South America

What did Enlightenment thinkers question that people previously took for granted?

• Traditional authority

• The teachings of the Catholic Church

• The right of Kings to rule over common people without their say

• All of the above

Which of the following groups held the most power in the early-mid enlightenment?

• The people!

• Knights and vassals

• Protestants

• Despots (absolute rulers)