Columbus and Early Exploration: Vikings, Maps, and the Columbian Exchange

A set of practice flashcards covering Vikings in North America, Columbus's voyages, early exploration maps, and the Columbian Exchange.

Who were the first Europeans known to reach North America, and approximately when did they arrive?

The Norse (Vikings) from Scandinavia reached North America around 1000 AD, landing at Vinland near Labrador and Newfoundland.

What ships made up Columbus's first voyage and how many sailors accompanied him?

The Niña, Pinta, and Santa María; about 90 sailors.

On what date did Columbus sight land, and what did he initially believe he had reached?

October 12; he believed he had reached the Indies (Asia/China region).

Which island did Columbus first land on in the New World?

San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.

What name did Columbus give to the indigenous people he encountered, and why?

He called them Indians because he thought he had reached the West Indies (the Indies).

What fort did Columbus establish after the Santa María wreck, and where was it built?

La Navidad on Hispaniola.

Which explorer published a map that led to naming the new continent 'America,' and after whom was it named?

Martin Waldseemüller; named the continent America after Amerigo Vespucci.

Who was Amerigo Vespucci and what was his contribution to the naming of America?

An Italian explorer whose writings suggested the lands were a 'New World' separate from Asia, leading to the use of the name America on maps.

What major realization about the Americas emerged from Vespucci's voyages and publications?

That the Americas were not part of Asia.

What did the Treaty of Tordesillas accomplish and which two powers did it divide the world between?

It established a demarcation line granting Spain west of the line and Portugal east; later moved west, affecting control of territories (Brazil went to Portugal).

Who completed the first circumnavigation of the globe and when did his voyage reach Europe again?

Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition; the voyage concluded in 1522 when the remaining crew returned to Europe.

Which explorer crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513?

Vasco Núñez de Balboa.

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The exchange of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Old World and the New World, transforming ecosystems and cultures.

Name several crops and foods that moved from the Americas to Europe as part of the Columbian Exchange.

Corn (maize), potatoes, beans, squash, tomatoes, chili peppers, peanuts, cocoa, tobacco, and various fruits.

Name several crops and livestock introduced to the Americas from Europe during the Columbian Exchange.

Wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice, coffee; cattle, pigs, sheep, horses; new metals, shipbuilding techniques, and firearms.

What was one of the most devastating impacts of the Columbian Exchange on Native Americans?

Diseases brought by Europeans (e.g., influenza, measles, smallpox) caused catastrophic epidemics among Native populations.