Columbus' Voyage Quiz

Why did Columbus call the people of the Caribbean Islands “Indians?”

• He called them Indians because they were from North America

• Columbus called them Indians because they grew thousands of acres of Indigo plants

• Columbus named the people Indians after their main island of Indianapolis

• He was convinced that he had reached the East Indies and Asia

Ferdinand and Isabella allowed Columbus’ voyage because:

• They wanted to find a new trade route to Asia.

• They wanted to expand their empire.

• They wanted to spread Christianity.

• They wanted to prove the Earth was round.

True or False. Since he knew the Earth was round, Columbus believed he could reach Asia faster by sailing west.

• True

• False

Columbus honestly believed that he had reached Asia because:

• He underestimated the size of the Earth.

• He had incorrect maps.

• He was misled by the local inhabitants.

• He was following a direct route to Asia.

What country did Columbus represent when he sailed in 1492?

• Italy

• America

• Spain

• Portugal

Where was Columbus attempting to sail to in 1492?

• the Orient (Asia)

• North America

• Africa

• Spain