European Exploration in the Americas - AP U.S. History

1. What was the primary goal of Spanish missions in the New World?

   To convert Native Americans to Christianity. Spanish missions aimed to spread Catholicism among indigenous peoples.

2. What was the significance of the Northwest Passage to European explorers?

   A sought-after route to Asia. This hypothetical northern route would provide faster access to Asian markets.

3. Which country established the colony of Brazil in the Americas?

   Portugal. Portugal colonized Brazil following the Treaty of Tordesillas.

4. Identify the explorer who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire.

   Hernán Cortés. He conquered the Aztec Empire and claimed Mexico for Spain.

5. What year did Christopher Columbus first voyage to the Americas?

   1492. This date marks the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas.

6. Who was the first European to explore the Mississippi River?

   Hernando de Soto. His expedition in the 1540s explored much of the southeastern United States.

7. Which explorer is known for his exploration of the American Southeast?

   Hernando de Soto. His expedition traversed Florida, Georgia, and other southeastern regions.

8. Which explorer's crew was the first to circumnavigate the globe?

   Ferdinand Magellan's crew. Magellan died in the Philippines, but his crew completed the journey.

9. Name the Italian explorer who sailed under the English flag to North America.

   John Cabot. He reached North American coast in 1497, claiming territory for England.

10. What was the Encomienda System used for in the Spanish colonies?

    To regulate Native American labor. It granted colonists control over indigenous labor and tribute.

11. What role did the Columbian Exchange play in European exploration?

    It facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas. It connected Old and New World economies through biological and cultural transfer.

12. What was the name of the first successful English colony in America?

    Jamestown. Established in 1607, it became the first permanent English settlement.

13. Identify the first permanent English settlement in North America.

    Jamestown, Virginia. Founded in 1607, it survived despite early hardships and conflicts.

14. Name the explorer who claimed New York for the Netherlands.

    Henry Hudson. Hudson explored the river that now bears his name for the Dutch.

15. Which crop became the primary economic driver of Virginia Colony?

    Tobacco. Tobacco cultivation transformed Virginia into a profitable colony.

16. What was the Dutch colony established in present-day New York called?

    New Amsterdam. The Dutch established this trading post on Manhattan Island.

17. Which explorer is credited with discovering the Pacific Ocean for Europe?

    Vasco Núñez de Balboa. He crossed the Isthmus of Panama and sighted the Pacific in 1513.

18. Which European country sponsored Christopher Columbus's expeditions?

    Spain. Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella funded his westward voyages.

19. What was the primary economic activity of the French in North America?

    Fur trading. French colonists focused on the lucrative beaver fur trade.

20. What was the impact of European diseases on Native American populations?

    Significant population decline. European diseases devastated Native populations with no immunity.

21. Which explorer's voyages proved that the New World was not part of Asia?

    Amerigo Vespucci. His observations confirmed the Americas were separate continents.

22. Identify the explorer who established the first European settlement in Puerto Rico.

    Juan Ponce de León. He also served as Puerto Rico's first Spanish governor.

23. Which European power established the first permanent settlement in Canada?

    France. French explorers established Quebec and other Canadian settlements.

24. Which explorer is credited with discovering the Grand Canyon?

    Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. His expedition searching for gold encountered this natural wonder.

25. Which explorer's voyages were funded by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella?

    Christopher Columbus. The Spanish royalty sponsored his four voyages to the New World.

26. What was the primary factor that motivated the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire?

    Desire for wealth, particularly gold. Spanish conquistadors sought riches, especially precious metals.

27. What was the primary motivation for European exploration in the Americas?

    To find new trade routes and resources. Europeans sought alternatives to costly overland trade routes to Asia.

28. What was the name of the first French settlement in North America?

    Quebec. Samuel de Champlain founded this city in 1608.

29. Which Italian explorer's voyages led to the naming of the Americas?

    Amerigo Vespucci. The continents were named in his honor after his detailed explorations.

30. Which Spanish explorer founded the city of Lima in Peru?

    Francisco Pizarro. He conquered the Inca Empire and established Peru's colonial capital.

31. Identify the English explorer who searched for the Northwest Passage.

    Henry Hudson. He explored the Hudson River while seeking a northern route to Asia.

32. Which European nation was the first to engage in the transatlantic slave trade?

    Portugal. Portuguese traders began enslaving Africans for Atlantic colonies.

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