Magellan's Expedition and Discoveries

In the late 1400s, European exploration surged, driven by the quest for spices. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese sailor, proposed a route to the Spice Islands via the west. Supported by Spain, he embarked on a perilous journey, facing mutiny, shipwrecks, and starvation. Despite these challenges, Magellan discovered the Pacific Ocean and reached the Philippines, where he was killed in conflict. His expedition, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano after his death, completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth, proving its roundness and expanding the understanding of its vastness.

What was the primary motivation for European explorers to find new trade routes in the late 1400s?

• To discover new lands

• To spread Christianity

• To control the spice trade

• To establish colonies

Who was the Portuguese sailor that proposed a western route to the Spice Islands to the King of Spain?

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Amerigo Vespucci

What significant geographical feature did Magellan discover during his expedition?

• The Suez Canal

• The Panama Canal

• The Strait of Magellan

• The Cape of Good Hope

What was the name of the ocean that Magellan named due to its calmness?

• Arctic Ocean

• Pacific Ocean

• Indian Ocean

• Atlantic Ocean

Where did Magellan and his crew first land after crossing the Pacific Ocean?

• Hawaii

• Indonesia

• Guam

• Philippines

What was the outcome of the Battle of Mactan for Magellan?

• He was victorious

• He was captured

• He was killed

• He retreated successfully

After Magellan's death, which ship completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth?

• Santiago

• Trinidad

• Concepción

• Victoria

Who captained the Victoria on its return journey to Spain?

• Vasco da Gama

• Christopher Columbus

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Juan Sebastian Elcano

How many of the original crew members returned to Spain after the circumnavigation?

• 100

• 270

• 50

• 18

What was the significant achievement of Magellan's expedition?

• Conquest of the Philippines

• Discovery of America

• First circumnavigation of the Earth

• Establishment of a new trade route to India