Exploration and Trade Routes to India

During medieval times, trade between Europe and India was conducted through Constantinople. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Turks disrupted this trade, prompting Europeans to seek new sea routes to India. Christopher Columbus, supported by Spain, embarked on a voyage in 1492, mistakenly identifying the West Indies as India. Amerigo Vespucci later discovered the mainland, naming it America.

Which city was the main trade center between India and Europe during medieval times?

• Venice

• Alexandria

• Lisbon

• Constantinople

What event in 1453 led to the closure of land trade routes between Europe and India?

• The fall of Rome

• The discovery of America

• The conquest of Constantinople by the Turks

• The signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas

What was the primary motivation for Europeans to find a new sea route to India?

• To escape from the Turks

• To continue trade of Indian goods

• To spread Christianity

• To explore new lands

Who provided financial support to Christopher Columbus for his voyage?

• The King of Portugal

• The King of England

• The King of Spain

• The King of France

In which year did Columbus reach the islands he thought were the West Indies?

• 1500

• 1492

• 1453

• 1488

What did Columbus mistakenly believe he had discovered upon reaching the islands?

• The East Indies

• The West Coast of Africa

• The West Coast of India

• The North Pole

Who was the Italian sailor that realized the land Columbus found was a new continent?

• John Cabot

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Marco Polo

What name was given to the newly discovered mainland by Amerigo Vespucci?

• Antarctica

• America

• Australia

• Asia