European Exploration of the Americas

Based on the map above, which claim is most accurate?

• Portugal was not interested in exploring South America.

• Spanish explorers were the first explorers to arrive in the New World.

• Jacques Cartier sailed to North America and then returned to Spain.

• The Spanish explored many areas in North and South America.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the Spanish explored many areas in North and South America, as shown on the map.

This map is most useful for

• identifying when parts of the New World were settled by European explorers.

• identifying where and when specific explorers discovered parts of the Old World.

• comparing the size of Spanish, French, and Portuguese landholdings in the Americas.

• identifying the areas of the world that were explored by Europeans during the Age of Discovery.

Answer explanation

The map is most useful for identifying where and when specific explorers discovered parts of the Old World, making this the correct choice.

Early Europeans were motivated to sail to distant lands, so they could bring back riches and wealth to their country. Which of the following was NOT a motivation for early exploration in the Western Hemisphere?

• To compete for more, gaining a stronger empire, and becoming superior to other cultures.

• To become economically strong in trade, and obtaining important natural resources such as gold, salt, silver, furs, silk, and spices.

• To travel to new lands and learn about their culture.

• To spread their religious faith of Christianity.

Answer explanation

Provide a detailed explanation of how you arrived at the solution

In what ways did the Native Americans and the Europeans cooperate with each other?

• Native Americans allowed all Europeans to live among their tribes peacefully.

• Native Americans and Europeans shared their technologies and ways of transportation with each other.

• Native Americans taught the Europeans how to be kind through oral traditions and legends.

• Europeans forced the Native Americans to become Christians.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that Native Americans and Europeans shared their technologies and ways of transportation with each other, showcasing a form of cooperation between the two groups.

Which of the following made a huge impact on the number of Native American deaths after the Europeans came to North America?

• Disease that was brought over from Europe

• Malaria, caused by mosquito bites

• Not being able to communicate in the same language

• Competing in the fur trade

Answer explanation

The correct choice, disease brought over from Europe, caused a huge impact on the number of Native American deaths by introducing new illnesses to which they had no immunity.

Which was NOT an accomplishment of European exploration?

• Exchanged ideas and goods

• Claimed land in North America

• Helped Native American civilizations to grow

• Improved ships and navigational tools

Answer explanation

The European exploration did not help Native American civilizations to grow; in fact, it often led to their decline due to diseases, warfare, and forced labor.

In what direction did European explorers travel to reach the New World?

• north

• south

• east

• west

Answer explanation

European explorers traveled west to reach the New World, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in search of new lands and resources.

Which large body of water did Europeans travel across to reach North America?

• Indian Ocean

• Atlantic Ocean

• Pacific Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

Answer explanation

Europeans traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to reach North America.

Based on this timeline, when did the Spanish Conquest of the Aztecs begin?

• 1250

• 1519

• 1502

• 1522

Answer explanation

The Spanish Conquest of the Aztecs began in 1519, as indicated by the timeline provided.

Which of the events on the timeline proved that the Aztecs were highly developed engineers?

• Aztecs settled near Lake Texcoco

• Causeways built with canals

• Tenochtitlan destroyed

• Tenochtitlan rebuilt, named Mexico City

Answer explanation

The Aztecs' construction of causeways with canals demonstrated their advanced engineering skills, showcasing their ability to manipulate water systems for transportation and irrigation purposes.