BrainPOP: Christopher Columbus

Why is Christopher Columbus a significant historical figure?

• He proved the earth was round

• He led to the colonization of America

• He opened a new trade route to Asia

• He was the greatest mapmaker of his time

Which of the following terms best describes Columbus's relationship with his brother, Bartolomeo?

• Archenemies

• Friendly rivals

• Perfect stragners

• Business partners

What was Columbus's primary motivation for his voyage across the Atlantic?

• Desire for riches & power

• Devotion to Spanish royal family

• His interest in geography

• Potential to chart unexplored territory

What area did Columbus explore?

• eastern coast of Asia

• eastern coast of the United States

• western coast of the United States

• the Caribbean Sea

Which word best describes the Arawak people?

• docile (unresisting)

• hostile (warlike)

• greedy

• wary (cautious)

Columbus called the natives Indians even though they looked and sounded nothing like Indians. What can you conclude?

• He had problems with his vision & hearing

• He was illiterate

• He was determined to cover up his mistakes

• He knew nothing about the Indian culture

How did Columbus become the governor of Hispaniola?

• He was elected by the island's inhabitants

• He inherited the title from the previous governor

• He took the title by force

• He was given the title in advance by king & queen of Spain

About which of the following attributes of the earth was Columbus mistaken?

• Its shape

• Its size

• Its mass

• Its composition

Viewed as a trade, the Columbian Exchange was:

• Equal for both Europeans and Native Americans.

• Unequal favoring Native Americans

• Unequal favoring Europeans

• Ambiguous, it is not clear who it favored more.

Why do some people object to celebrating Columbus Day?

• Because Columbus never reached the entire continent

• Because historians don't know the date the ships landed.

• Because Columbus committed brutal acts and was a conqueror

• Because Columbus was so mistaken by the size of the earth.