Spain Builds an American Empire

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary goal of Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic in 1492?

To chart the Caribbean islands for future expeditions

To discover new lands for conquest

To establish Spanish colonies in the Americas

To find an alternative trade route to Asia (correct)

What was the significant outcome of Columbus's landing on the island in the Caribbean?

It established a direct trade route to Asia.

It marked the discovery of the Americas by the Spanish.

It led to immediate Spanish colonial dominance over Asia.

It brought together the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. (correct)

What mistake did Columbus make regarding the inhabitants he encountered?

He believed they were actual Indians from India. (correct)

He thought they were from Asia.

He underestimated their navigational skills.

He assumed they were hostile tribes.

Which ship was NOT part of Columbus's fleet during his 1492 voyage?

Victory Signup and view all the answers

By what term did Columbus refer to the natives upon landing in the Caribbean?

Indios Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Columbus's voyage in search of new routes?

A competition for wealth in Asia among European nations Signup and view all the answers

What was the main effect of Columbus's voyages on European perception of the Americas?

It revealed a new world previously unknown to Europeans. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mestizo' refer to in the context of Spanish colonization?

A person of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the leader encountered by Francisco Pizarro during the Spanish conquest of Peru?

Atahualpa Signup and view all the answers

What role did the encomienda system play in colonial Spain?

It granted Spanish colonists the right to extract labor from Indigenous people. Signup and view all the answers

What gifts did Columbus present to the native peoples during their first meeting?

Red caps and glass beads Signup and view all the answers

How did the native peoples respond to Columbus's offerings?

They were delighted and very attached to Columbus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items did the natives exchange with Columbus?

Parrots and javelins Signup and view all the answers

What was Columbus's misconception about the lands he encountered?

He thought he had reached the East Indies. Signup and view all the answers

What name did Columbus give to the island he claimed for Spain?

San Salvador Signup and view all the answers

What was the actual identity of the native group Columbus encountered?

A group who called themselves the Taíno Signup and view all the answers

What types of items did the natives bring to exchange with Columbus?

Parrots and cotton thread Signup and view all the answers

In what region did Columbus actually land instead of the East Indies?

An island in the Caribbean Signup and view all the answers

What was Columbus's national affiliation when he claimed the island?

Spain Signup and view all the answers

What did Columbus believe about the items he offered to the natives?

They were of great value to the natives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergence of Spain's American Empire

Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sea captain, embarked on a voyage from Spain in 1492, seeking an alternative trade route to Asia.
Instead of reaching Asia, Columbus landed on an island in the Caribbean, marking the beginning of European colonization in the Americas.
Columbus's expeditions connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, setting the stage for significant cultural exchange and conflict.

The Voyages of Columbus

Columbus sailed with three ships: the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María, departing on August 3, 1492.
On October 12, 1492, Columbus and his crew spotted land, an event celebrated as the "discovery" of the New World.
Columbus mistakenly believed he had reached the East Indies, referring to the indigenous people he encountered as "los indios."

First Encounters and Cultural Exchange

Columbus documented his first interactions with the native inhabitants, describing their willingness to trade goods such as parrots and cotton.
The indigenous people, referred to as the Arawak, were welcoming and exchanged valuable items for small trinkets offered by Columbus.

Misconceptions and Claims

Columbus miscalculated his journey's location and did not actually reach the East Indies, landing instead in the Bahamas.
He claimed the island for Spain, naming it San Salvador, meaning "Holy Savior," solidifying Spanish interest in exploration and colonization.

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Description

Explore the influence of Spanish explorers like Christopher Columbus and Hernando Pizarro on the Americas. This quiz delves into the cultural, linguistic, and colonial legacies established during this pivotal period in history. Test your knowledge on the significant figures and events that shaped the Spanish Empire in the New World.