Discovery of the Americas Quiz

The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus is often cited as a turning point in ______.

European trade expanded towards Africa and ______ in the late Middle Ages.

The Ottoman Empire created significant trade barriers via land routes after the conquest of ______ in 1453.

Portugal focused on the southern route, pioneered by ______ Dias' voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, sailing under the Spanish crown, reached the ______, landing on an island he named San Salvador.

The Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494 to prevent conflicts between Spain and ______ over newly discovered territories.

The discovery of America led to the exploitation and ______ of indigenous populations.

Initial accounts of indigenous people painted a picture of an exotic 'other', whether described as barbaric or as ______ and virtuous.

The "Discovery" of the Americas

Christopher Columbus's voyage often seen as a turning point in history, but Europe discovered a continent already inhabited by 35-45 million people.
Global trade in the 15th century saw European trade expanding towards Africa and Asia, particularly Italian city-states like Genoa and Venice.
Land routes were challenged by Ottoman Empire control, leading to the search for alternative sea routes to India.
Portugal and Spain sought to avoid Ottoman trade taxes and gain access to valuable resources in India.

The Search for Alternative Sea Routes

Portugal focused on the southern route, utilizing the Cape of Good Hope, discovered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488.
Spain sought to reach India by sailing west.
Columbus, acting on behalf of Queen Isabella of Castile, landed in the Bahamas in 1492, encountering the Americas.

The Treaty of Tordesillas

To avoid conflict between Spain and Portugal, the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494, dividing newly discovered territories.
Spain claimed most of Central and South America.
Portugal received present-day Brazil.

Shift from Trade to Conquest

Early European exploration in the Atlantic was primarily focussed on establishing trade routes.
Portugal continued this practice initially, but the military strength of European powers allowed systematic conquest.
The "discovery" of the Americas led to exploitation and the displacement of indigenous populations.

European Perceptions of Indigenous Peoples

Early accounts of indigenous populations often presented them as exotic "others," either barbaric or innocent.
Over time, the idea of "noble savages" emerged, viewing indigenous peoples as a contrast to European "corruption."
These views changed over time and influenced justifying the conquest of the indigenous populations.

Explore the pivotal events surrounding Christopher Columbus's voyage and the European discovery of the Americas. This quiz covers the global trade dynamics in the 15th century, the search for alternative sea routes, and the Treaty of Tordesillas. Test your knowledge of this transformative period in history.