Explorers and Their Discoveries

Who was the first known European to explore North America?

• Christopher Columbus

• Erik the Red

• Leif Erikson

• Amerigo Vespucci

What was the name Christopher Columbus gave to the first place he landed in the Americas?

• Cuba

• Hispaniola

• San Salvador

• Fernandina

After whom was the continent of America named?

• Christopher Columbus

• Martin Waldseemüller

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Juan Ponce de León

Which of the following explorers was the first European to reach the eastern coast of the Pacific Ocean by crossing the Isthmus of Panama?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Francisco Pizarro

• Hernando Cortes

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Which Spanish explorer found the Grand Canyon while searching for cities of gold?

• Pedro de Mendoza

• Francisco Vázquez de Coronado

• Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

• Hernando de Soto

What was the estimated percentage of Native Americans who died from European diseases by the 1600s?

• 25 percent

• 50 percent

• 75 percent

• 95 percent

What was the primary source of wealth for French explorers in North America, distinguishing them from Spanish explorers?

• Precious metals

• Fur trade

• Agricultural products

• Spices

Which explorer, sailing for the Dutch East India Company, claimed areas along the Hudson River and explored Hudson Bay?

• John Cabot

• Jacques Cartier

• Henry Hudson

• Samuel de Champlain