United States History: European Exploration and Colonization

Practice questions covering the motives, key explorers, and timeline of early European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

In Social Studies $5004$, what was defined as the invasion, settlement, and establishment of control of the Americas by various European powers?

European explorationis colonization

Which three European powers were primarily involved in the colonization of the Americas?

Spain, France, and England

What was the main motive for European powers' exploration, believed to be a direct and efficient route to the Orient?

The Northwest passage

What specific goods did European powers hope to claim by reaching the Orient?

spices, silks, and wealth

What were the specific key motives for the Spanish according to the presentation?

gold and the Northwest passage

What were the specific key motives for the French?

Spread Christianity and the Northwest passage

What were the specific key motives for England?

colonize and the Northwest passage

In what year did Christopher Columbus sail from Palos, Spain, and what was he looking for?

In $1492$, he was looking for Asia and the indies

In what year did Hernan Cortes land in Mexico, and with what resources?

In $1519$, with $600$ men and less than $200$ horses

How did the motivations of Hernan Cortes change after discovering Aztec wealth?

From colonization and Christiany to getting gold

Which empire did Hernan Cortes conquer during the first phase of the Spanish colonization?

The Astec empire

Who is credited with discovering Vinland (New England) in the year $1000$?

Leif Erikson

In $1492$, which specific locations were discovered by Christopher Columbus?

The New World (Hispaniola, San Salvador)

Who discovered continental North America in $1497$?

John Cabot

Who was the New World named after in $1507$?

Amerigo Vespucci

What discovery was made by Vasco Nuñez de Balboa in $1513$?

The Pacific Ocean

Which leader was defeated by Hernan Cortes in $1519$, giving Spain a stronghold over Central American land and gold?

Montezuma

What significant event involving Ferdinand Magellan occurred in $1521$?

He sailed around the World.