The Spanish Empire: Age of Exploration Quiz

Who were the comonarchs of Spain since 1469?

• Pedrarias Davila and Columbus

• Alfonso de Albuquerque and Ferdinand Magellan

• John II and Isabella

• Ferdinand and Isabella

Answer explanation

Ferdinand and Isabella were the comonarchs of Spain since 1469. They played a significant role in the unification of Spain and sponsored Christopher Columbus' voyages.

What was the purpose of Columbus's first voyage in 1492?

• To explore the coast of Africa

• To conquer new lands for Spain

• To find a new trade route to India

• To establish a settlement in the New World

Answer explanation

The purpose of Columbus's first voyage in 1492 was to find a new trade route to India.

Who was the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean in 1513?

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco Núñez de Balboa

• Marco Polo

• Amerigo Vespucci

Answer explanation

Vicente Yanez Pinzon discovered the Amazon River in 1499. He was the correct choice among Alonso de Ojeda, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus.

Which explorer initiated the Portuguese Age of Discovery in 1415?

• Vasco da Gama

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Henry the Navigator

• Christopher Columbus

Answer explanation

Nicholas de Ovando was the Viceroy of the Indies who arrived in 1502. He was the correct choice for this question.

What did Balboa discover in 1513?

• The Spice Islands

• The Strait of Magellan

• The Amazon River

• The Pacific Ocean

Answer explanation

In 1513, Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean.

Who was the Portuguese explorer who proposed the idea of circumnavigating America to reach the Spice Islands?

• Alfonso de Albuquerque

• Vicente Yanez Pinzon

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Pedrarias Davila

Answer explanation

Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer, proposed circumnavigating America to reach the Spice Islands.

Which explorer claimed the Philippines for Spain?

• Christopher Columbus

• Alonso de Ojeda

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Juan Sebastian Elcano

Answer explanation

Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain. He was an explorer who led the first circumnavigation of the world.

What was the fate of Magellan during his expedition to the Spice Islands?

• He successfully reached the Spice Islands

• He was captured by the Portuguese

• He was killed by hostile natives

• He decided to abandon the expedition

Answer explanation

Magellan was killed by hostile natives during his expedition to the Spice Islands.

What was the primary goal of Magellan's expedition?

• To find a western sea route to the Spice Islands

• To circumnavigate the globe

• To establish trade relations with India

• To discover the Americas

Answer explanation

Juan Sebastian Elcano took command of the expedition after Magellan's death. He successfully completed the first circumnavigation of the world.

Which explorer avoided Portuguese bases while returning to Europe?

• Diego de Nicuesa

• Juan Sebastian Elcano

• Pedrarias Davila

• Alonso de Ojeda

Answer explanation

Juan Sebastian Elcano avoided Portuguese bases while returning to Europe.