Exploration and Imperialism Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which instrument was used to measure the angle of celestial bodies during navigation?

Compass

Astrolabe

Quadrant

Cross-staff (correct)

What was a primary motivation for Europeans to seek a sea route to Asia?

To spread the concepts of Humanism.

To discover new and more advanced trade routes to the west

To gain direct access to valuable spices and silk. (correct)

To avoid conflicts with the Mongol Empire.

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between which two nations?

The Netherlands and Sweden

France and England

Italy and Germany

Spain and Portugal (correct)

How did the fall of the Mongol Empire impact European exploration?

It disrupted overland trade routes, pushing Europeans to find sea routes. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that led to a population decrease in the New World after European arrival?

Diseases brought by the Europeans Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a negative result of European expansion?

Exploitation of indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

What role did Humanism play in the Age of Exploration?

It encouraged curiosity, individual achievement, and learning which fostered exploration. Signup and view all the answers

Besides gold and silver, which other resources were exported from South America?

Tobacco and sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the meaning of 'circumnavigate'?

To travel completely around something. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a 'primary source'?

Original materials or evidence from the time under study. Signup and view all the answers

Which explorer is best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'quipu'?

A system of knotted strings used by the Incas to record information. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the practice of a country expanding its territory?

Expansionism Signup and view all the answers

Which invention enabled Portuguese and Spanish explorers to sail faster and more nimbly?

The Caravel Signup and view all the answers

What does 'decolonization' primarily refer to?

The process by which colonies gained independence from colonial powers. Signup and view all the answers

Who advocated for the rights of Indigenous people in the Americas?

Las Casas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms

Exploration: Traveling to new areas to discover and learn about them.
Navigational: Related to planning and following a route.
Circumnavigate: To travel completely around something, especially Earth.
Expansionism: Expanding a country's territory.
Imperialism: Extending a nation's power through diplomacy and/or military force.
Immunity: Resistance to disease.
Decolonization: Colonies gaining independence from colonial powers.
Quipu: A system of knotted strings used to record information by the Incas.
Point of View (POV): The perspective from which something is seen.
Primary Source: Original materials from the time period being studied (documents, artifacts).

Notable Explorers

Christopher Columbus: Discovered the Americas (thought he reached Asia).
Ferdinand Magellan: Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
John Cabot: Discovered parts of North America (Newfoundland).
Jacques Cartier: Explored the St. Lawrence River, claimed Canada for France.
Bartholomew Dias: First to round the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope).
Vasco da Gama: First to sail directly from Europe to India.
Samuel de Champlain: Founded Quebec, key figure in French North American exploration.
Las Casas: Spanish missionary, advocated for Indigenous rights.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella: Sponsored Columbus's voyage.
Queen Elizabeth I: Supported English exploration & expansion.

Key Inventions

Caravel: A small, fast, and maneuverable ship used by Portuguese and Spanish explorers.
Astrolabe: Used by sailors to determine latitude based on the stars.
Compass: Navigational instrument for determining direction.
Cross-Staff: Used for measuring the angle of celestial bodies for navigation.

Driving Forces of Exploration

4 C's: Christianity (spread religion), Commerce (expand trade), Curiosity (discover new lands), Competition (rivalries between European powers).
Sea Route to Asia: Europeans sought sea routes to Asia for direct access to spices, silk, and other valuable goods.
Disrupted Trade Routes: The fall of the Mongol Empire and Constantinople disrupted overland trade routes, leading to the search for sea routes.
Expansion of Religion: Europeans sought to spread Christianity and compete with Islam in Asia and Africa.
Humanism Connection: Humanism promoted curiosity, individual achievement, and learning, contributing to exploration.

Treaty of Tordesillas

Agreement between Spain and Portugal dividing the newly discovered lands outside Europe.

Perspectives on Columbus Day

Mixed views: Some celebrate Columbus for discovery, others criticize him for harm to Indigenous people.
Indigenous Perspective: Viewed European explorers as invaders who brought disease, violence, and slavery.

Pre-Exploration World Knowledge

Europeans had limited understanding of the world.
Most maps were inaccurate with large unknown areas.

Resources & Impacts from South America

Exported: Gold, silver, tobacco, sugar, crops (potatoes, corn).
Population Decrease: Caused by European diseases (smallpox) and harsh treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Impacts of European Expansion

Positive: Increased trade, cultural exchange.
Negative: Exploitation of Indigenous people, slavery, environmental damage.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms and notable explorers related to exploration and imperialism. This quiz covers important historical figures and concepts that shaped the world. Brush up on your understanding of terms like expansionism, decolonization, and primary sources.