Origins of Oceanic Connections

Which map projection is named after a Flemish cartographer who created the flat version of the world so that mariners might use it to navigate the oceans?

• Mercator projection

• Robinson projection

• Peters projection

• Mollweide projection

Answer explanation

The Mercator projection, named after Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, was designed for maritime navigation. It represents lines of constant course as straight segments, making it easier for sailors to plot their routes.

The Mercator projection makes Canada look about the same size as . (a)  

• Africa
• Australia

• South America

• Asia

Answer explanation

The Mercator projection distorts sizes, making Canada appear similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being much larger - in fact Africa is THREE times larger than Canada. This projection exaggerates areas far from the equator, leading to this visual misconception.

Which type of sails allowed ships to sail against the wind?

• Square "Explorer" sails

• Triangular "Lateen" sails

• Round "Rontunda" sails

• Rectangular "Navigationary" sails

Answer explanation

Triangular 'Lateen' sails are designed to catch wind from various angles, allowing ships to sail against the wind. In contrast, square sails are less effective for this purpose.

The Portuguese merchants were able to sell goods for lower prices by cutting out the (a)   . Options: A) Middlemen B) Sailors C) Explorers D) Merchants.

• Middlemen
• Sailors

• Explorers

• Merchants

Answer explanation

The Portuguese merchants reduced prices by eliminating the middlemen, who typically added costs to the goods. Until they established sea trade with India and merchants in the Indian Ocean, Europe had to purchase their cherished spices, silk, porcelain, cotton and other oriental trade items from Arab traders. By dealing directly with producers in Africa, India and other areas of Indian Ocean, they could offer lower prices to consumers.

What was the fate of Ferdinand Magellan during his voyage?

• He completed the journey

• He was killed in the Philippines

• He returned to Spain

• He discovered new lands.

The Spanish forced indigenous people to mine which resource in the Americas?

• Gold

• Silver

• Spices

• Silk

Answer explanation

The Spanish forced indigenous people to mine silver, particularly in regions like Potosí, which became a major source of wealth for Spain. Gold was also sought, but silver was the primary resource exploited during colonization.

By the seventeenth century, the grip of the Spanish on global trade slipped as the (a)   , English, and others arrived in the Americas and the Indian Ocean.

• Dutch

• French

• Portuguese

• Italians

Answer explanation

The Dutch emerged as a significant maritime power in the seventeenth century, challenging Spanish dominance in global trade, particularly in the Americas and the Indian Ocean, making 'Dutch' the correct choice.

What was the impact of the Portuguese merchants selling goods at lower prices?

• Increased competition

• Loss of profits

• Higher taxes

• More trade routes

Answer explanation

The Portuguese merchants selling goods at lower prices led to increased competition among traders. This forced others to lower their prices or improve their offerings to attract customers, impacting the market dynamics significantly.

European states funded explorers with the expectation of gaining an advantage in (a)   .

• controlling global trade routes

• establishing colonies

• spreading religion

• cultural exchange

Answer explanation

European states funded explorers primarily to gain control over global trade routes, which were crucial for economic power and resource acquisition, making this the most relevant expectation.

Bennett Sherry is a research associate at Pitt’s World History Center. True or False?

• True

• False