John Cabot: The Explorer's Journey

John Cabot, an Italian explorer, sailed from England to Canada in 1497, marking the first European exploration of North America's coast since the Vikings. Born in Italy around 1450, Cabot became a Venetian merchant before moving to England to escape debt. He secured funding for voyages to find a westward route to Asia. His 1497 voyage led to the claim of Canadian land for England, though he believed he had reached Asia. Cabot's voyages were significant for England's future colonies, despite his disappearance after 1498.

Who was the first known European to explore the North American coast after the Vikings?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Christopher Columbus

• John Cabot

• Henry Hudson

Which explorer sailed to North America about 1500 years before Cabot?

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

• Leif Erikson

• Marco Polo

Where was John Cabot born?

• England

• Italy

• Portugal

• Spain

What profession did Cabot take up in Venice?

• Cartographer

• Shipbuilder

• Merchant

• Navigator

Which English king supported Cabot's voyages?

• Edward IV

• Henry VIII

• Henry VII

• Richard III

In which year did Cabot successfully reach modern-day Canada?

• 1498

• 1497

• 1496

• 1500

What was the outcome of Cabot's first voyage?

• He discovered America

• He was forced to return due to bad weather

• He was captured by pirates

• He reached Asia

What did Cabot mistakenly believe about the land he discovered?

• It was the southern tip of Africa

• It was a new continent

• It was part of Asia

• It was uninhabited

What happened to Cabot's final voyage in 1498?

• One ship returned damaged, and the rest were lost

• He reached Asia

• He returned safely to England

• He discovered a new continent

What was the significance of Cabot's voyages for England?

• They resulted in a new alliance with Spain

• They led to the discovery of gold

• They laid the groundwork for future English colonies in North America

• They established a trade route to Asia