1st Three-Month Term Test C1 (HISTORY)

What were the main motives for European exploration from 1400–1800?

Answer explanation

The main motives were the desire for wealth (“gold”), the drive to spread Christianity (“God”), and the pursuit of glory for themselves and their countries (“glory”).

Which technological advances enabled Europeans to make long-distance sea voyages?

Answer explanation

Improvements included the caravel (a sturdier ship), the use of triangular sails for sailing against the wind, improved navigational tools like the astrolabe and magnetic compass, and better maps.

Who was Prince Henry, and why was he significant to the Age of Exploration?

Answer explanation

Prince Henry, known as “the Navigator,” was a Portuguese royal who promoted and financed voyages of exploration, established a navigation school, and helped advance sailing technology.

What was the main reason European traders wanted new sea routes to Asia?

Answer explanation

To bypass Italian and Muslim traders who controlled land routes and charged high prices for Asian goods like spices, allowing Europeans to increase their profits by trading directly.

What was the primary cargo and profit-maker from Asia to Europe during early exploration?

Answer explanation

Spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and pepper, which were in high demand and yielded large profits.

Who was Bartolomeu Dias, and what was his major achievement?

Answer explanation

Bartolomeu Dias was a Portuguese explorer who, in 1488, was the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, opening up the possibility for a sea route to Asia.

How did Portuguese explorers first become involved in the African slave trade?

Answer explanation

During their explorations along Africa’s western coast, the Portuguese established trading posts and began trading for African gold, ivory, and eventually captives to be used as slaves.

How did European ship design improve during this period?

Answer explanation

The caravel was developed, which was sturdier, had a large cargo hold, a shallow draft for sailing close to shore, and combined square sails for power with triangular sails for maneuverability.

In what ways did exploration change the world culturally and economically?

Answer explanation

Exploration led to worldwide cultural exchanges, increased trade and wealth, the spread of Christianity, and set the stage for global interaction between continents.

What event marked the widespread exchange between the Old World and the New World?

Answer explanation

The voyages of Christopher Columbus marked the beginning of the Columbian Exchange, a worldwide transfer of plants, animals, people, ideas, and diseases between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.