Exploration and Treaties: 1492-1500

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Questions and Answers

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

1494 treaty where Spain and Portugal agreed to divide lands in the Western hemisphere between them and move the Line of Demarcation to the west.

Who got what in the Treaty of Tordesillas?

Spain got land to the WEST of the line. (correct)

Portugal got land to the EAST of the line. (correct)

Spain got land to the EAST of the line.

Portugal got land to the WEST of the line.

Who decided the Treaty of Tordesillas?

Portugal's King John II

What was the impact when the line was moved 800 miles west?

Portugal got more land including eastern South America (Brazil), which increased Spanish/Portuguese exploration. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Portuguese explorers accomplish?

Vasco de Gama found an all-water route to Asia around Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Caravel?

A Portuguese ship with triangular and square sails that could sail into the wind. Signup and view all the answers

What was Columbus' plan?

To find a shorter route to Asia. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Columbus sail for?

Spain Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Columbus make the first of his 4 expeditions?

1492 Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of Columbus' ships?

Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the Caribbean island where Columbus first landed?

San Salvador Signup and view all the answers

Where did Columbus believe he had reached?

India or Asia (where spices grew) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Northwest Passage?

An all-water route from England to Asia sailing Northwest. Signup and view all the answers

Why did England, France, and the Netherlands want to find a Northwest Passage?

So they could trade spices with Asia and get rich like the Italians. Signup and view all the answers

What Englishman (sailing for the Dutch) died trying to find the Northwest Passage?

Henry Hudson Signup and view all the answers

In what modern-day country is Hudson Bay located?

Canada Signup and view all the answers

Why are Cabot's voyages important?

Basis for English colonies along North America's Atlantic shore. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Hudson's voyage important?

Hudson Bay became a big fur trading area. He learned there was no navigable Northwest Passage (too much ice). Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of the Spanish expeditions seeking Cities of Gold?

All failed. Signup and view all the answers

What was England's approach to overseas expansion?

Cautious. England did not provide money to start colonies. Private citizens had to pay to start colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of England's cautious approach to starting colonies?

Didn't have a successful colony until after 1600. Spain had an empire in America and England had only a few colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Spanish Armada?

1588 Signup and view all the answers

Who won the Spanish Armada and why?

England won because they had smaller but faster boats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Galleon?

Signup and view all the answers

What were 2 important effects of the Spanish Armada?

<ol> <li>England remained Protestant and proved it could defend itself. 2. The world saw that Spain could be beaten.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What did the French and Dutch focus on when they failed to find a Northwest Passage?

The resources of North America itself as a possible source of new wealth and territory. Signup and view all the answers

What animal proved valuable to the French?

Beaver Signup and view all the answers

Describe the typical colonists of New France?

Fur traders and Catholic priests. Signup and view all the answers

Who established the first permanent French settlement in the New World?

Samuel de Champlain Signup and view all the answers

What were the relations like between Native Americans and the French? Why?

Friendly. Indians traded furs with the French and this led to military alliances. Signup and view all the answers

Where was it located?

Along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. Signup and view all the answers

What lands in the New World were first claimed by the Dutch?

Present day New York. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Dutch name their colony in the New World?

New Netherland. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the present-day city that is located where the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam was founded?

New York City. Signup and view all the answers

By 1650, which European nation claimed the most geographic area in America?

Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What were the 3 major reasons for European exploration?

<ol> <li>Gold 2. Glory 3. God</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was the first permanent English settlement in North America?

Jamestown. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Treaty of Tordesillas

Signed in 1494, dividing Western Hemisphere territories between Spain and Portugal.
Spain received lands west of the Line of Demarcation; Portugal received lands east.
The line was moved 800 miles west, granting Portugal more territory, including Brazil.

Portuguese Exploration

King John II of Portugal facilitated the Treaty of Tordesillas.
Vasco da Gama discovered an all-water route to Asia by navigating around Africa.
Caravel ships equipped with both triangular and square sails improved sailing against the wind.

Christopher Columbus

Sought a shorter route to Asia and sailed under the Spanish flag.
First expedition launched in 1492 on three ships: Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
Landed on San Salvador, misidentifying it as India, a key trade area for spices.

Northwest Passage

Concept of an all-water route from England to Asia, pursued by England, France, and the Netherlands for trade opportunities.
Exploration attempts included Englishman Henry Hudson, who perished seeking the passage.

Impact of Exploration

Cabot's voyages laid the groundwork for future English colonies along North America's Atlantic coast.
Hudson's journey revealed that the Northwest Passage was not navigable due to ice, leading to the prominence of Hudson Bay in fur trading.

Spanish Empire and England's Expansion

Spanish expeditions in search of legendary Cities of Gold ultimately failed.
England's cautious approach to colonization limited its early success, resulting in few colonies until post-1600.
The Spanish Armada occurred in 1588; England emerged victorious with faster, more maneuverable ships.

Consequences of the Spanish Armada

England remained Protestant and demonstrated its naval strength.
The defeat of Spain proved their dominance could be challenged, impacting future conflicts.

French and Dutch Interests

Following unsuccessful searches for the Northwest Passage, the French and Dutch focused on exploiting North American resources, particularly furs.
The beaver was a crucial animal for the French fur trade.
French settlers primarily included fur traders and missionaries, fostering friendly relations with Native Americans through trade and alliances.

Colonies and Settlement

Samuel de Champlain established the first permanent French settlement in North America along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
The Dutch claimed present-day New York, naming their colony New Netherland, with New Amsterdam later becoming New York City.

European Exploration Motives

Key motivations for exploration included gold, glory, and spreading Christianity (God).
By 1650, Spain had claimed the largest geographic area in the Americas, highlighted by the establishment of Jamestown as the first permanent English settlement.

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Description

This quiz covers significant historical events from 1492 to 1500, including the Treaty of Tordesillas, Portuguese exploration, and Christopher Columbus’s voyages. Test your knowledge on how these events shaped the exploration of the New World and trade routes to Asia.