Christopher Columbus's Voyage and Misconceptions

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Questions and Answers

What misconception did many Europeans hold about the world 500 years ago?

  • The world was flat (correct)
  • There were many undiscovered continents
  • The world was spherical
  • There was only one ocean

Which countries did Columbus approach for support before Spain?

  • Italy, Greece, and Portugal
  • Spain, France, and the Netherlands
  • Portugal, Venice, and Genoa (correct)
  • France, Norway, and England

How long did Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic take?

  • 25 days
  • 36 days (correct)
  • 60 days
  • 49 days

What did Columbus initially believe about the land he discovered?

<p>He made it to India (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fear prevented many European sailors from crossing the Atlantic Ocean?

<p>Belief in sea monsters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ships did Columbus take on his journey?

<p>Nina, Pinta, and the Santa Maria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary motivations for Columbus's voyage?

<p>To find gold and riches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these challenges did Columbus face during his voyage?

<p>Crew mutiny (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are Native Americans sometimes referred to as 'Indians'?

<p>Columbus mistook them for Indians (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method did Columbus use to persuade patrons for his voyage?

<p>He calculated a direct westward route to Asia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Voyage

The act of traveling across a large body of water, especially by ship.

Patron

A person who pays for or supports a project or enterprise.

Explorer

A person who explores unknown or unfamiliar regions.

Cartographer

A person who creates maps.

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Flat Earth Theory

The belief that the Earth is flat.

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Sea Monster

The idea that a large sea creature can harm those who travel by sea.

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Native Americans

The indigenous people of the Americas.

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Caribbean Islands

A group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea.

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The Americas

The landmass that includes North America and South America.

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The Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria

A group of three ships used by Christopher Columbus to sail to the Americas.

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Study Notes

Christopher Columbus's Voyage

  • Columbus sailed from Europe to North America in 1492, a pivotal event connecting Europeans and Native Americans.
  • He sailed from Europe to Asia, believing the world was smaller and that only three continents existed (Europe, Asia & Africa).
  • Columbus used maps and math to support his westward voyage.
  • He faced skepticism, requiring financial backing from royalty (Portugal, Venice, Genoa, & Spain).
  • His voyage involved three ships: the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
  • The 36-day journey across the Atlantic initially worried his crew due to the uncertainty, but they eventually landed on an island in the Caribbean.

Columbus's Misconceptions

  • Columbus believed he'd reached Asia, not realizing he had discovered a new continent.
  • This misunderstanding led to the term "Indians" for Native Americans.
  • His beliefs were based on pre-existing European understanding of geography (and a belief that the world was flat).
  • Concerns over sea monsters and potential dangers also contributed to the opposition to his journey.

Impact of the Voyage

  • Columbus wasn't alone in his voyage - he traversed the Atlantic four times.
  • Spain gained a vast empire in North and South America as a consequence in addition to valuable resources/land.
  • Columbus's actions profoundly impacted the world by connecting two different civilizations.

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