Columbus and the Age of Exploration: Impact on Native Cultures and Global Trade

The video discusses Columbus's 1492 voyage, which marked the beginning of European exploration in the Americas. Sponsored by European monarchs, explorers sought new trade routes to Asia. Columbus's journey led to the Treaty of Tordesillas, dividing new lands between Spain and Portugal. The arrival of Europeans had devastating effects on Native American populations, primarily due to diseases like smallpox. The Columbian Exchange introduced new goods and technologies, reshaping societies. Despite the negative impacts, the introduction of metal tools benefited some native cultures.

What was the primary goal of Columbus's voyage in 1492?

• To discover a new continent

• To find a faster route to Asia

• To prove the world was round

• To establish a new colony

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

• A treaty that ended the war between Spain and Portugal

• A peace treaty between Native Americans and Europeans

• A trade agreement between Europe and Asia

• An agreement dividing the New World between Portugal and Spain

What were the main motivations for European explorers during the Age of Exploration?

• Science, technology, and innovation

• God, gold, and glory

• Peace, prosperity, and power

• Trade, travel, and treaties

What was the most significant cause of death among Native Americans after European contact?

• Slavery

• Disease

• Overwork

• War

How did diseases like smallpox spread among Native American tribes?

• Through direct contact with Europeans

• Via trade routes between tribes

• By contaminated water sources

• Through the air

What was the impact of European diseases on Native American populations?

• A minor decrease in population

• A complete eradication of some tribes

• No impact at all

• A significant population decline

What was one of the main motivations for European exploration in the Americas?

• To establish new trade routes

• To find precious metals

• To spread democracy

• To learn about new cultures

How did the introduction of metal tools affect Native American tribes?

• It had no impact

• It made them dependent on Europeans

• It led to the decline of their cultures

• It helped them improve their technology

What irony is associated with the search for precious metals in the Americas?

• The metals were worthless

• The metals were used to make weapons

• The metals were more valuable in Europe

• The search led to the discovery of new continents

Despite their advanced knowledge, what type of tools did some Native cultures continue to use?

• Metal tools

• Stone Age tools

• Iron tools

• Bronze tools