Explorers and Their Accomplishments

Who was the explorer that named Indians and "discovered" America?

• Christopher Columbus

• Ponce de Leon

• Hernan Cortes

• Ferdinand Magellan

Which explorer's expedition was the first to cross the Isthmus of Panama and claim the Pacific Ocean and its shores for Spain?

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

• Francisco Pizarro

• Hernando de Soto

• Ponce de Leon

What was the main accomplishment of Hernan Cortes during his explorations?

• He and his men conquered the Aztecs and helped make Spain very rich.

• He discovered the mouth of the Mississippi River.

• He was the first to circumnavigate the world.

• He explored Puerto Rico and Florida.

Explain why Ferdinand Magellan's expedition was significant in the history of exploration.

• It was the first expedition to circumnavigate the world, proving the world was round.

• It was the first to discover America.

• It was the first to conquer the Incas.

• It was the first to explore the Caribbean.

Compare the accomplishments of Francisco Pizarro and Hernando de Soto. What did they achieve during their explorations?

• Pizarro conquered the Incas and made Spain rich; de Soto discovered the mouth of the Mississippi River.

• Pizarro discovered America; de Soto conquered the Aztecs.

• Pizarro explored the Caribbean; de Soto explored the Pacific Ocean.

• Pizarro circumnavigated the world; de Soto explored Puerto Rico.

Which explorer led an expedition that discovered the first sea route from Europe to Asia?

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

• Vasco da Gama

• Christopher Columbus

• Hernán Cortés

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was one of the first Europeans to explore which region?

• South America

• New Mexico

• India

• Africa

In what year did Vasco da Gama begin his expedition from Portugal to India?

• 1540

• 1497

• 1607

• 1521

Which country sponsored Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s expeditions?

• Portugal

• Spain

• France

• England

Explain the significance of Vasco da Gama’s expedition for Europe and Asia.

• It established the first land route from Europe to Asia.

• It discovered the Grand Canyon.

• It discovered the first sea route from Europe to Asia, opening up direct trade.

• It led to the colonization of New Mexico.