The Age of Exploration Practice Quiz

What was one of the primary reasons for European exploration during the Age of Discovery?

• To find faster ways to get to Africa

• To find gold, land, and a quicker route to Asia

• To explore the South Pole

• To discover new planets

Which group of people were the first Europeans to reach North America?

• The Spanish

• The French

• The Vikings

• The Portuguese

Who was the Italian explorer sent by Spain who landed in the Caribbean Islands in 1492?

• John Cabot

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

• Hernan Cortes

What did Christopher Columbus claim for Spain during his voyages?

• The coast of Newfoundland

• The Grand Canyon

• The Caribbean Islands

• The Hudson River

Which explorer crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513?

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Jacques Cartier

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

• Henry Hudson

What was Juan Ponce de Leon searching for when he claimed Florida for Spain?

• The Fountain of Youth

• The Seven Cities of Gold

• The Northwest Passage

• New land for Spain

Which explorer conquered the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain?

• Hernan Cortes

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

• Robert LaSalle

• Amerigo Vespucci

Which explorer’s travels led to North and South America being named after him?

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

• Jacques Cartier

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Henry Hudson

Who was the French explorer who named and claimed Canada for France?

• Robert LaSalle

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Jacques Cartier

• Hernan Cortes

Which explorer is known for exploring the Mississippi River and claiming Louisiana for France?

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

• Robert LaSalle

• Christopher Columbus

• John Cabot