Exploration Main Ideas

The southern coast of West Africa was known as what?

• Treaty of Tordesillas

• Gold Coast

• Middle Passage

• East Coast

Answer explanation

The southern coast of West Africa was known as the Gold Coast due to its significant gold resources. This term was commonly used during the colonial period, distinguishing it from other regions like the East Coast.

What established a line of demarcation between Spanish and Portuguese territories?

• Afonso

• Treaty of Tordesillas

• John Cabot

• Encomienda

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, established a line of demarcation that divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, resolving territorial disputes and shaping colonial expansion.

Which Venetian seaman explored the coastline of New England?

• John Cabot

• Afonso

• Vasco da Gama

• Christopher Columbus

Answer explanation

John Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing under the English flag, is credited with exploring the coastline of New England in 1497, making him the correct choice among the options provided.

What was the right of Spanish settlers to use Native Americans as laborers called?

• Encomienda

• Spice

• Middle Passage

• Treaty of Tordesillas

Answer explanation

The right of Spanish settlers to use Native Americans as laborers was called 'Encomienda'. This system allowed settlers to demand labor from indigenous people in exchange for protection and Christianization.

The journey of slaves from Africa to America was known as what?

• Gold Coast

• Middle Passage

• Java

• Sumatra

Answer explanation

The journey of slaves from Africa to America is referred to as the Middle Passage. This term specifically describes the horrific sea voyage that many enslaved Africans endured during the transatlantic slave trade.

Who was the king of Congo?

• John Cabot

• Afonso

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

Answer explanation

Afonso was the king of the Kingdom of Kongo in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is known for his efforts to promote Christianity and establish diplomatic relations with Portugal, distinguishing him from the other figures listed.

What African society was ruined because of the slave trade?

• Benin

• Ibo

• Ashanti

• Congo

Answer explanation

The Benin society was significantly impacted by the slave trade, leading to its decline. The trade disrupted its economy and social structure, ultimately resulting in the loss of power and influence in the region.

What single port was the English influence on the spice market reduced to?

• Java

• Sumatra

• Benin

• Afonso

Answer explanation

The English influence on the spice market was significantly reduced to Sumatra, which became the primary port for their trade activities in the region, while other locations like Java and Benin were less impacted.

Where did the Dutch establish a fort in 1619?

• Java

• Sumatra

• Moluccas

• Spice Islands

Answer explanation

The Dutch established a fort in 1619 on Java, which was a strategic location for trade and control over the spice trade routes in the region, making it the correct answer.

What was an extremely profitable trade item from Southeast Asia?

• Gold

• Spices

• Silver

• Silk

Answer explanation

Spices were highly sought after in Southeast Asia, making them an extremely profitable trade item. They were valued for their use in cooking, preservation, and medicine, far surpassing the profitability of gold, silver, or silk.