Explorers of the New World

Study Notes

Vasco Nunez de Balboa

First European to see the Pacific Ocean, discovers it for King Ferdinand of Spain.
His discovery paved the way for future Spanish explorations along the western coast of South America.

John Cabot

Italian explorer who discovered parts of North America under the commission of Henry VII of England.
His findings contributed to England's first colonies in the New World.

Jacques Cartier

French explorer known for mapping the St. Lawrence River for King Francis of France.
His exploration led to France claiming territories that would later become Canada.

Samuel de Champlain

Founded Quebec for King Henry IV, establishing the first permanent settlement in New France.
Contributed to Canadian history by creating accurate coastal maps and facilitating early settlements.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian explorer credited with discovering the New World for King Ferdinand of Spain.
His voyages intensified competition among European nations and led to the division of South America between Portugal and Spain.

Sir Francis Drake

British explorer who completed the second circumnavigation of the globe under Queen Elizabeth.
His journey opened opportunities for England’s expansion into the New World.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea, successfully linking Europe and Asia.
His discovery heralded an age of global imperialism and allowed Portugal to establish a lasting colonial empire in Asia.

Henry Hudson

English explorer who claimed the Hudson River for the Dutch East India Company, naming it New Netherland.
His expedition laid the foundation for Dutch colonization in the Hudson River area and English claims in Canada.

Juan Ponce de Leon

Spanish explorer who discovered and named Florida for King Ferdinand.
Led the first European expedition to the region, claiming it for Spain.

Lewis & Clark

American explorers who examined the Louisiana Purchase region, producing extensive maps and documenting many scientific discoveries.
Their work facilitated later settlement and travel to the Pacific coast.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese navigator who sailed to the Indies for King Charles I of Spain.
First European to cross the Pacific Ocean, with his journey leading to the naming of the Strait of Magellan.

Hernando de Soto

Spanish explorer who claimed the Mississippi River for King Charles I of Spain.
His explorations expanded European knowledge of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Amerigo Vespucci

Italian explorer who investigated the American mainland and South American coast under King Manuel I of Portugal.
He labeled South America as the "New World," believing he had discovered a previously unknown continent.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key explorers who played pivotal roles in the discovery and colonization of the Americas. This quiz covers figures like Vasco Nunez de Balboa, John Cabot, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, and Christopher Columbus. Explore their journeys and contributions to history.

Explorers of the New World

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Questions and Answers

Who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean?

What did John Cabot discover for Henry VII of England?

Who explored and mapped the St. Lawrence River for France?

What was Samuel de Champlain known for?

Christopher Columbus discovered the New World for Spain.

Who carried out the second circumnavigation of the world?

Who was the first European to reach India by sea?

What area did Henry Hudson claim for the Dutch East India Company?

What did Juan Ponce de Leon name for King Ferdinand?

What did Lewis & Clark explore?

Who was the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean?

What did Hernando de Soto claim for King Charles I of Spain?

What continent did Amerigo Vespucci explore?