Spanish Conquistadors in the Americas

Which explorer searched for the Fountain of Youth in 1513?

• Hernando de Soto

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

Answer explanation

Juan Ponce de Leon is known for his 1513 expedition in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth, making him the correct answer. The other explorers listed did not pursue this specific quest.

In which year did Hernando de Soto travel through Florida and North Carolina?

• 1513

• 1539

• 1542

• 1534

Answer explanation

Hernando de Soto traveled through Florida and North Carolina in 1539 during his expedition in search of gold and other riches, making this the correct answer.

Which explorer sailed 1,200 miles along the coast of what is now California?

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Hernando de Soto

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

• Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

Answer explanation

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the explorer who sailed 1,200 miles along the coast of what is now California in 1542, making him the correct choice among the options provided.

What did Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's journey give Spain a claim to?

• The Atlantic coast of North America

• The Pacific coast of North America

• The Gulf of Mexico

• The Caribbean Islands

Answer explanation

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's journey in 1542 along the Pacific coast of North America allowed Spain to claim this territory, expanding its influence and exploration in the region.

What was the outcome of Pizarro's exploration?

• He found the Fountain of Youth

• He established a new trade route

• He successfully took over the Inca Empire

• He discovered new spices

Answer explanation

Pizarro's exploration led to the successful conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, significantly expanding Spanish territory and influence in South America.

What was the Inca Empire's geographical extent mentioned in the passage?

• From Mexico to Panama

• From Chile to Ecuador

• From Brazil to Argentina

• From Peru to Colombia

Answer explanation

The Inca Empire extended from Chile to Ecuador, covering a significant portion of the western coast of South America. This geographical range distinguishes it from the other options, which do not accurately represent the empire's extent.

What was the impact of the Spanish explorers' journeys on Spain?

• They lost territories

• They gained a claim to new lands

• They established new trade routes

• They discovered new spices

Answer explanation

The Spanish explorers' journeys allowed Spain to gain a claim to new lands, significantly expanding its empire and influence in the Americas, which was crucial for its wealth and power.

Who were the Inca?

• Spanish explorers

• A group of nations ruled by an emperor

• A South American Indian people

• Valuable objects like gold and silver

Answer explanation

The Inca were a South American Indian people known for their advanced civilization, which included a vast empire in the Andes region. They were not Spanish explorers, a group of nations, or valuable objects.

Who traveled to the New World in search of riches?

• The Inca people

• Spanish explorers

• The Roman Empire

• The Aztec civilization

Answer explanation

Spanish explorers, such as Columbus and Cortés, traveled to the New World primarily in search of gold and other riches, seeking to expand their empires and wealth.

Which term describes a group of nations ruled by a sovereign?

• Conquistador

• Empire

• Explorer

• Treasure

Answer explanation

An empire is defined as a group of nations or territories ruled by a single sovereign authority, making it the correct term for the question. The other options do not fit this definition.