Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest - AP U.S. History

1. What was the primary economic system used by the Spanish in their colonies?

   Mercantilism. Colonies existed to benefit the mother country economically.

2. Who was Hernán Cortés?

   A Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. He used superior weapons and disease to defeat Montezuma.

3. What was the encomienda system?

   A Spanish labor system granting colonists authority over indigenous labor. Allowed Spanish colonists to exploit indigenous labor legally.

4. Who sponsored Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492?

   King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. They funded his voyage seeking a western route to Asia.

5. Identify a cultural impact of the Columbian Exchange on Europe.

   Introduction of new foods and cultural practices. European foods and customs gradually spread across the continent.

6. Which cash crop, introduced to the Old World, had a significant economic impact?

   Sugar. Drove plantation agriculture and the Atlantic slave trade.

7. What was the primary religion spread by the Spanish in the New World?

   Catholicism. Spanish missions actively converted indigenous peoples.

8. Which explorer is credited with discovering the New World?

   Christopher Columbus. His 1492 voyage initiated permanent contact between hemispheres.

9. What was Francisco Pizarro known for?

   Conquering the Inca Empire. He captured the emperor Atahualpa and seized vast treasures.

10. What role did the Catholic Church play in the Spanish colonies?

    It was a major force in conversion and education. The Church established schools and enforced Spanish culture.

11. What was the role of the Spanish Armada in exploration?

    Protected Spanish interests and colonies. Spain's naval power secured its overseas empire.

12. What was the main goal of the Spanish missions in the New World?

    To convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. Religious conversion was a key justification for Spanish colonization.

13. What was a long-term effect of Spanish exploration on indigenous cultures?

    Cultural assimilation and loss of indigenous traditions. Spanish colonization systematically dismantled native societies.

14. What was the primary motive for Spanish exploration in the New World?

    To acquire wealth, particularly gold and silver. The pursuit of precious metals drove Spanish conquistadors.

15. Name the treaty that divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.

    Treaty of Tordesillas. Signed in 1494, it prevented conflicts between the two powers.

16. Which navigational tool helped Europeans explore the New World?

    Compass. Essential for navigation across the Atlantic Ocean.

17. Which European country was the first to explore the Atlantic Ocean?

    Portugal. Portuguese navigators pioneered oceanic exploration techniques.

18. What was the impact of European weaponry on indigenous warfare?

    Gave Europeans a significant military advantage. Guns and steel weapons overwhelmed traditional indigenous arms.

19. Name a livestock animal introduced to the New World by Europeans.

    Horses. Revolutionized transportation and warfare for Native Americans.

20. Name one technological advantage the Spanish had over indigenous peoples.

    Firearms. Advanced weaponry gave Spanish forces decisive military superiority.

21. What was a major consequence of the introduction of European livestock to the New World?

    Transformation of indigenous agriculture. Cattle and pigs altered land use and farming practices.

22. What was an effect of European diseases on indigenous populations?

    Massive population decline. Disease was more devastating than warfare to native populations.

23. Which explorer first circumnavigated the globe?

    Ferdinand Magellan. His expedition proved the Earth was round and ocean-connected.

24. Which empire did the Spanish conquer in present-day Peru?

    The Inca Empire. Located in the Andes Mountains of South America.

25. Identify a significant effect of the Columbian Exchange on Europe.

    Increased food variety and population growth. New crops like potatoes prevented famines and supported larger populations.

26. What was the Columbian Exchange?

    The exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. Named after Columbus, this process transformed both hemispheres.

27. Identify a commodity that was highly sought after by Europeans in the New World.

    Gold. Spanish conquistadors sought precious metals above all else.

28. Identify a disease that was transferred from the Old World to the New World.

    Smallpox. Devastated indigenous populations who had no natural immunity.

29. Identify a metal that was heavily mined by the Spanish in the Americas.

    Silver. Massive silver deposits in Mexico and Peru enriched Spain.

30. Which Caribbean island did Columbus first land on in 1492?

    San Salvador. Columbus's first landing site in the Caribbean archipelago.

31. Identify a crop that was transferred from the Old World to the New World.

    Wheat. A staple European grain that became important in colonial agriculture.

32. Which empire was known for its advanced road systems before Spanish conquest?

    The Inca Empire. Their infrastructure facilitated Spanish conquest and control.

33. Name a new world animal introduced to the Old World through the Columbian Exchange.

    Turkey. Domesticated fowl that provided protein in European diets.

34. Which city was the capital of the Aztec Empire?

    Tenochtitlán. This island city was conquered by Cortés in 1521.

35. Identify the explorer who claimed Florida for Spain.

    Juan Ponce de León. He established Spanish presence in southeastern North America.

36. Name a staple crop that was transferred from the New World to the Old World.

    Potatoes. Became a crucial food source that helped feed Europe's growing population.

37. Name one New World food that became a staple in Africa.

    Maize. Corn became a dietary staple across multiple continents.

38. Identify one negative impact of the Columbian Exchange on Native Americans.

    Spread of European diseases like smallpox. Indigenous peoples lacked immunity to Old World diseases.

39. What strategy did Europeans use to establish control over large indigenous populations?

    Alliances and divide-and-conquer tactics. Exploiting existing rivalries helped small Spanish forces succeed.

40. What was the primary language imposed by the Spanish on their New World colonies?

    Spanish. Part of Spain's cultural imperialism and administrative control.

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