Christopher Columbus and the Discovery of America

Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator, believed the Earth was round and sought a westward route to Asia. After being ignored by Portugal, he gained support from the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, who provided him with three ships. Columbus set sail in 1492 and discovered the island of Guanahani, which he named San Salvador, and later reached Cuba and Española. He made three more voyages, exploring parts of the Caribbean and Central America, but died believing he had found a new route to Asia. The continent was later named America in honor of Américo Vespucio, who realized it was a new land.

What was Columbus's main belief about the shape of the Earth?

• Flat

• Round

• Square

• Triangular

Which monarchs supported Columbus's journey?

• King of England

• King of Portugal

• King of France

• Catholic Monarchs

What was the name of the island Columbus first reached?

• Puerto Rico

• Cuba

• San Salvador

• Española

How many additional voyages did Columbus make to America?

• Four

• One

• Three

• Two

In which year did Columbus die?

• 1512

• 1492

• 1506

• 1520

Who realized that the lands Columbus discovered were not part of Asia?

• Isabel and Fernando

• Christopher Columbus

• Américo Vespucio

• Rodrigo de Triana

What is the origin of the name 'America'?

• Named after a Spanish king

• Named after Américo Vespucio

• Named after a local tribe

• Named after Columbus

Which country is named after Christopher Columbus?

• Venezuela

• Colombia

• Panama

• Honduras