U.S.A History Quiz On Age of Exploration : 10 MCQs

Centuries before Columbus’s arrival in the New World, archaeologists have found evidence proving that Viking explorers had reached the North American territory now known as Newfoundland, as early as 1000 AD.

Trade with Asia was very profitable for Europeans, however it was also very dangerous. The early trade routes were fraught with danger of being robbed or succumbing to harsh environmental obstacles. As a result, there was much to be gained by finding a safer, more direct route.

The combination of better ships, better navigation techniques, and the possibilities for economic gain drew European rulers to the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries. The potential rewards of successful expeditions had, for the first time, proved to outweigh the risks.

Though Christopher Columbus was a Genoan, he was unable to receive support for his expedition to North America from his home country. Instead, Columbus turned to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to finance his journeys to the New World.

Columbus’s second voyage was a mission of colonization and exploration. He was given 17 ships and over 1,000 men. He also brought domesticated animals, including horses, pigs, and cattle. His orders were to expand the settlement on Hispaniola, convert natives to Christianity, and continue his search for Japan and China.

The Treaty of Tordesillas played a pivotal role in the future colonization of the New World. Following the discovery of the New World by Columbus, the Spanish and Portuguese were both eager to stake claims in the territory. The Treaty of Tordesillas was put in place to avoid potential disputes over land claims.

The Spanish did not need to have superior numbers to defeat the native cultures since they had significant advantages in technology and tactics. The inability of the native cultures to work together against the strength of the European weapons would inevitably be a key part of their collective downfall.

In 1497, Vasco da Gama journeyed around Africa’s treacherous Cape of Good Hope. He arrived safely in Calicut, India the following year becoming the first European to complete such a journey.

Balboa’s 1510 expedition through Panama resulted in Europe’s first realization that there was another ocean on the western side of the New World.

Ponce de León’s expedition was not successful, however it did lay the groundwork for the founding of St. Augustine, the first European military fort on the North American mainland.