10 Questions
What were the main motivations for Spain and Portugal to explore the new lands?
Wealth, fame and fortune, and spreading Christianity.
What were Christopher Columbus' reasons for setting sail?
To find a faster trade route to India and China.
What were the two challenges that Christopher Columbus faced during his voyages?
His calculation of the world's size was too small and he encountered an undiscovered ocean and continent.
What did Christopher Columbus actually discover during his voyages?
The Americas.
What were some of the resources and opportunities that the Americas offered to explorers?
Open space, new crops, and the chance for gold.
What lands did Columbus claim for Spain at the end of his days at sea?
Cuba, Antigua, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas
Who was the first European to reach Brazil?
Pedro Alvares Cabral
Who was the first European to 'dip his toes in the Pacific Ocean'?
Vasco Nunez de Balboa
Who was the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe?
Ferdinand Magellan
Who conquered the Aztec Empire of Mexico for Spain?
Hernan Cortes
Study Notes
Motivations for Exploration
- The main motivations for Spain and Portugal to explore the new lands were to expand their empires, spread Christianity, and gain access to new resources and trade opportunities.
Christopher Columbus' Reasons
- Christopher Columbus' reasons for setting sail were to find a new route to Asia, to spread Christianity, and to gain wealth and fame.
Challenges Faced by Columbus
- Two challenges that Christopher Columbus faced during his voyages were mutiny from his crew and navigating uncharted waters.
Columbus' Discoveries
- Christopher Columbus actually discovered the Caribbean islands, specifically the Bahamas, and the coast of South America during his voyages.
Resources and Opportunities of the Americas
- The Americas offered explorers resources such as gold, silver, and other precious metals, as well as opportunities for trade, colonization, and the spread of Christianity.
Lands Claimed by Columbus
- At the end of his days at sea, Columbus claimed the Caribbean islands, specifically the Bahamas, and the coast of South America for Spain.
First European to Reach Brazil
- The first European to reach Brazil was Pedro Álvares Cabral.
First European to Reach the Pacific Ocean
- The first European to reach the Pacific Ocean was Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
First Expedition to Circumnavigate the Globe
- The first expedition to circumnavigate the globe was led by Ferdinand Magellan.
Conqueror of the Aztec Empire
- The Aztec Empire of Mexico was conquered by Hernán Cortés for Spain.
Test your knowledge on Christopher Columbus and the reasons behind his exploration in this quiz. Learn about the Age of Exploration and the race between Spain and Portugal for the Americas.
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