Exploring the Americas

What four places did the Silk Road link? Select all four answers.

• China

• Russia

• Middle East

• Europe

• India

Who was known to be the most famous merchant of the Silk Road?

• Christopher Columbus

• Marco Polo

• Zheng He

• Ferdinand Magellan

What are three hardships that early explorers could have faced?

• they could get lost

• storms could wreck their ships

• there might not be wind

• the crew could get sick

• crew members are distracted playing checkers

Why didn't Europeans at that time have much information about continents other than Europe?

• They didn't have enough horses.

• They were limited by geography.

• They were not eager enough to expand their lands

• They weren't interested in riches.

Why did Henry the Navigator sponsor voyages to explore the African coast? Choose two correct answers.

• He wanted a direct source of trade in sugar and spice.

• He wanted a direct source of trade in ivory and gold.

• He didn't want to rely on trade routes controlled by Muslim leaders.

• He wanted to form an alliance with Muslim leaders to fight against the Native Americans.

With the improvement of technology, captains and crews were able to _________________________.

• hold their breath under water for longer periods of time

• sail as close as possible to the shoreline

• sail farther and farther from shore

• drive their ships over land

What invention allowed explorers to share their stories, knowledge and ideas easily across Europe?

• printing press

• gunpowder

• steel

• lateen sails

What two inventions gave strengthened the European military?

• printing press

• gunpowder

• horses

• steel

Which three items helped explorers navigate the seas?

• astrolobe

• sextant

• lateen sail

• compass

• steel

What was used on a ship to make it faster and more maneuverable?

• square sails

• mainsail

• lateen sail

• foresail