Explorers and Colonization of America

Who was the first European explorer to reach North America?

• Christopher Columbus

• Leif Erikson

• Ferdinand Magellan

• John Cabot

Answer explanation

Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer, is credited as the first European to reach North America around the year 1000, well before Columbus and others. His voyages to Vinland (likely Newfoundland) mark this significant achievement.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

Which European nation established the first permanent settlement in North America?

• Spain

• France

• England

• Netherlands

Answer explanation

Spain established the first permanent settlement in North America with St. Augustine in 1565, making it the earliest European settlement on the continent, predating those by France, England, and the Netherlands.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Describe one impact of European colonization on indigenous populations in North America.

• Increased trade opportunities

• Introduction of new diseases

• Establishment of new languages

• Creation of new agricultural techniques

Answer explanation

One significant impact of European colonization was the introduction of new diseases, such as smallpox, which devastated indigenous populations who had no immunity, leading to dramatic declines in their numbers.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

What was the primary purpose of the French fur trade in North America?

• To establish military alliances

• To convert indigenous people to Christianity

• To generate wealth through trade

• To explore new territories

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of the French fur trade in North America was to generate wealth through trade. This economic activity involved exchanging furs with European markets, which was highly profitable for the French.

Explain how the Columbian Exchange affected the economies of Europe and North America.

• It led to the decline of European agriculture.

• It introduced new crops and animals to both continents.

• It caused a decrease in European population.

• It resulted in the isolation of North America.

Answer explanation

The Columbian Exchange introduced new crops like potatoes and maize, and animals such as horses and cattle to Europe and North America, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and transforming economies on both continents.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.3

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

Summarize the relationship between the French settlers and the indigenous peoples of North America.

• Hostile and confrontational

• Cooperative and based on trade

• Non-existent and isolated

• Dominated by religious conversion

Answer explanation

The French settlers often established cooperative relationships with indigenous peoples, primarily based on trade. They exchanged goods and formed alliances, contrasting with more hostile interactions seen with other European powers.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Compare the colonization strategies of the Spanish and the English in North America.

• Both focused on trade alliances with indigenous peoples.

• The Spanish focused on conquest, while the English focused on settlement.

• Both aimed to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.

• The English focused on military conquest, while the Spanish focused on trade.

Answer explanation

The Spanish colonization strategy primarily involved military conquest to establish control over territories, while the English focused on creating permanent settlements and agricultural communities, leading to different impacts on indigenous populations.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

Analyze the settlement patterns of the English colonies in North America.

• They were concentrated in the southern regions.

• They were spread evenly across the continent.

• They were primarily along the eastern coast.

• They were focused on the western frontier.

Answer explanation

The English colonies were primarily established along the eastern coast of North America, where they could access trade routes and resources, leading to concentrated settlement in this region.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Identify the explorer who claimed Canada for France.

• Jacques Cartier

• Samuel de Champlain

• Hernán Cortés

• Henry Hudson

Answer explanation

Jacques Cartier was the first European to explore and claim parts of Canada for France in the 1530s, establishing French presence in the region. Samuel de Champlain later expanded on this, but Cartier is the correct answer for the initial claim.

What was the main reason for the Dutch establishing New Amsterdam?

• To spread Christianity

• To engage in fur trading

• To find gold and silver

• To establish a military base

Answer explanation

The Dutch established New Amsterdam primarily to engage in fur trading, which was a lucrative business in the 17th century. This economic motivation was more significant than spreading Christianity or seeking gold.