Early European Exploration and Colonization

Comprehensive practice questions covering the early exploration of the Americas, the Spanish conquest, the Columbian Exchange, and early French and English colonial efforts.

According to the transcript, what were the specific uses of the magnetic compass and the Astrolabe?

The magnetic compass showed where they were going and the Astrolabe showed where the stars were.

What were the design features of a caravel and the purpose of Square Hateen sails?

A caravel had a narrow front and square back, while Square Hateen sails were used to move for distance or forward movement.

When was Chris. Columbus born and where did he originate from?

He was born in $1451$ in Genoa.

Who was the first European to reach the New World before Columbus, and what was the name of the colony established?

Leif Erikson, who established a short-lived Viking colony at Vinland.

For what three reasons did Spain agree to fund Chris. Columbus's trip?

a. To get rich via Asian trade; b. To send Christian missionaries to Asia; c. To gain an ally from the Great Khan in China to help battle Islam.

When did the three failed voyages of Chris. Columbus take place, and what happened to the Native Americans during these trips?

The voyages took place from $1493$ to $1504$. He forced Native Americans to pan for gold and led Indians into Spanish slavery.

Why was Spain considered the best place to utilize the New World?

Because of the reconquista (religious justification to bring Christianity to non-believers) and the presence of Conquistadores (seasoned soldiers).

Which Spanish explorer arrived in Mexico in $1519$ with $600$ soldiers to take over the Aztecs?

Hernan Cortes.

What four factors allowed Spain to take over the Aztecs by $1521$?

a. guns; b. horses; c. alliances with Indians who disliked the Aztecs; d. smallpox.

Who discovered the Inca Empire in $1532$ and what was the size of that empire?

Francisco Pizarro discovered the Inca Empire, which was the largest in the Americas at $2,000$ miles.

What led to the fall of the Inca Empire?

The ruler died via smallpox, followed by a civil war between the ruler's sons, the Spanish killing Atahualpa (one of the sons), and the Spanish capturing the empire.

Which survivor of the $1528$ Apalachee Indian attack looked for wealth in the North along with $3$ others?

Cabeza de Vaca.

What actions did Heman de Soto take during his journey from Florida to the Mississippi River in $1539$?

He harassed natives, demanded provisions, burned villages, and took women for servants or concubines.

Who was the Dominican priest named 'Protector of Indians' by the Spanish king?

Bartoleme de Las Casas.

Why did Spain's economy stop flowing after being the richest state in Europe from $1500$ to $1650$?

They kicked out Jews who were merchants, and the remaining merchants saw no reason for new trade because they didn't think New World money would run out.

What diseases were exchanged from the Old World to the New World during the Columbian Exchange?

Smallpox, measles, typhus, and influenza.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Tordesillas in $1494$?

Spain was granted territory to the west, and Portugal was granted territory to the east including Africa and Asia.

Who was the Italian navigator supported by King Francis I in $1524$ to map the North America border?

Griovanni da Venazano.

Why did King Henry VIII side with the Protestants?

Because the Catholics would not allow him to divorce.

How did the English colonization of Ireland contribute to New World colonies?

The English saw Indians as "crazy Irishman" and set up plantations to separate the English from the natives.

What was the result of Martin Frobisher's $3$ trips between $1576$ and $1578$?

They failed to find the Northwest Passage and he sent back fool's gold.

Who was the leader of the Roanoke colony who found it deserted after being delayed $3$ years by war?

John White.

What were the three arguments Richard Hakluyt made in 'Discourse on the Western Planting' ($1584$) to the queen?

a. England would prosper from trade and sale; b. Planting the Protestant religion; c. Blocking Spanish expansion.

Who was the first English child born in America?

Virginia Dare.