Columbus and Early Maritime Exploration

What was a significant factor that sparked Christopher Columbus's interest in sailing and navigation during his early life in Genoa?

• The discovery of new continents.

• Tales of great riches and adventures in faraway lands.

• The invention of the compass.

• His family's long history of naval service.

Why did European powers in the 15th century seek new maritime trade routes to the Far East?

• To avoid paying high taxes to European monarchs.

• To bypass middlemen who greatly increased the price of spices.

• To discover new types of spices.

• To establish new military alliances.

Why did King John II of Portugal initially reject Christopher Columbus's proposal for a westward voyage to the East?

• Portugal was already focused on exploring a southern route around Africa.

• Columbus demanded too much financial compensation.

• The King believed the Earth was flat.

• Portugal was at war with Spain.

Which event in Spain ultimately led King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to agree to finance Christopher Columbus's expedition?

• The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella.

• The signing of a peace treaty with France.

• The reconquest of Granada.

• A new discovery of gold in Spain.

How many ships did Christopher Columbus command on his first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What was the name of the first island in the Americas where Christopher Columbus and his crew made landfall?

• Cuba

• Hispaniola

• San Salvador

• Jamaica

Why did Christopher Columbus refer to the native inhabitants of the lands he discovered as "Indians"?

• He believed he had reached the eastern parts of Asia, known as the Indies.

• The native people called themselves "Indios."

• It was a common term for all non-European people at the time.

• He was instructed to use that term by the Spanish monarchs.

What was a significant negative impact of the Spanish arrival on the native populations of the Caribbean during Columbus's second voyage?

• Introduction of new agricultural techniques.

• Spread of infectious diseases like smallpox and measles.

• Establishment of peaceful trade relations.

• Development of advanced navigation methods.

What system did Columbus implement that resulted in forced labor and mistreatment of native populations?

• The feudal system.

• The encomienda system.

• The guild system.

• The mercantile system.

From which Spanish port did Columbus depart for his third voyage in 1498?

• Cadiz

• Palos de la Frontera

• Sanlucar

• Seville