History Quiz: European Exploration And Colonization In America!
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Which 3 major European countries explored and colonized the Americas?
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England, France and Portugal
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England, France and Spain
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France, Portugal and Spain
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About This Quiz
These historical questions are on European Exploration and Colonization In America! Most people tend to forget that there was a point that the British controlled America as we know it, and it was a lot of bloodsheds that America came out as a free country. Take this quiz and get to go on a walk in the past. Have fun!
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- 2.
Exploration means:
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A journey made for a special purpose.
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The science of determining a ship’s location and direction.
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To travel for the purpose of discovery.
Correct Answer
A. To travel for the purpose of discovery.Explanation
Exploration refers to the act of traveling with the intention of discovering new things or gaining knowledge about a particular subject. It involves venturing into unknown territories or areas to uncover new information, whether it be about new lands, cultures, scientific discoveries, or any other aspect that was previously unexplored. This definition aligns with the option "to travel for the purpose of discovery," as it accurately captures the essence of exploration as a journey undertaken with the aim of uncovering new knowledge or experiences.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why did the Spanish explore the Americas?
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To find gold and riches.
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To discover more land.
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To spread Christianity.
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All of the above
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
The Spanish explored the Americas for multiple reasons. Firstly, they were motivated by the desire to find gold and riches, as they believed that the newly discovered lands held vast amounts of wealth. Additionally, they sought to discover more land and expand their empire, as exploration and colonization were seen as a symbol of power and prestige. Lastly, the Spanish also aimed to spread Christianity, viewing the Americas as an opportunity to convert indigenous populations to their religion. Therefore, all of the given options are valid reasons for the Spanish exploration of the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A settlement far away from the country that rules it is called
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A caravel.
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A colony.
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An expedition.
Correct Answer
A. A colony.Explanation
A settlement far away from the country that rules it is called a colony. A colony refers to a group of people who establish a community or settlement in a distant land that is governed by their home country. This settlement is usually established for various reasons such as economic, political, or social interests. The ruling country maintains control and authority over the colony, often exploiting its resources and exerting influence over its inhabitants.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A Spanish conqueror who first came to the Americas in the 1500s is called a
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Conquistador.
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Indentured servant.
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Missionary.
Correct Answer
A. Conquistador.Explanation
A Spanish conqueror who first came to the Americas in the 1500s is called a conquistador. This term refers to the Spanish explorers and soldiers who played a significant role in the colonization and conquest of the Americas during the Age of Discovery. They sought to expand Spanish territories, establish colonies, and acquire wealth through the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous peoples. The term "conquistador" is derived from the Spanish word "conquistar," which means "to conquer."Rate this question:
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- 6.
A missionary is
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A person who investigates unknown regions or areas.
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A person who teaches his or her religion to people of different beliefs.
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A shop owner.
Correct Answer
A. A person who teaches his or her religion to people of different beliefs.Explanation
The correct answer is "a person who teaches his or her religion to people of different beliefs." This is because a missionary is someone who actively spreads and promotes their religious beliefs to individuals who may have different or no religious beliefs. They often travel to different regions or areas to share their teachings and convert others to their faith.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How did the Spanish colonies affect the Americas?
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The Spanish built new buildings.
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The Spanish spread their language and religion.
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The natives were used as slaves.
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
The Spanish colonies had a significant impact on the Americas through various means. Firstly, they built new buildings, which contributed to the development of infrastructure and architecture in the region. Secondly, the Spanish spread their language and religion, leading to the dominance of Spanish as a widely spoken language and the introduction of Catholicism as the primary religion in many areas. Lastly, the natives were often used as slaves, which had profound social, economic, and cultural consequences for both the indigenous populations and the colonial societies.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The practice of people owning other people and forcing them to work is...
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A colony.
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Missionary.
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Slavery.
Correct Answer
A. Slavery.Explanation
The correct answer is slavery. Slavery refers to the practice of individuals owning other people and forcing them to work against their will. It involves the deprivation of freedom and basic human rights. This system has been prevalent throughout history, where individuals are treated as property and subjected to various forms of exploitation and abuse. Slavery has been widely condemned as a violation of human rights and is now illegal in most countries.Rate this question:
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- 9.
An expedition is
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A journey made for a special purpose.
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A settlement far away from the country that rules it.
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To travel for the purpose of discovery.
Correct Answer
A. A journey made for a special purpose.Explanation
The correct answer is "a journey made for a special purpose." This is because an expedition typically refers to a planned and organized journey that is undertaken to achieve a specific goal or objective. It is not necessarily related to settlement or discovery, but rather focuses on the purpose of the journey itself.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A German mapmaker named America in honor of...
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Amerigo Vespucci.
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Christopher Columbus.
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Henry Hudson.
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Ferdinand Magellan.
Correct Answer
A. Amerigo Vespucci.Explanation
Amerigo Vespucci is the correct answer because he was an Italian explorer who made several voyages to the Americas, and his detailed letters and maps describing the newly discovered lands were widely circulated in Europe. As a result, the German mapmaker, Martin Waldseemüller, named the continent "America" in Vespucci's honor to acknowledge his contributions to the exploration and understanding of the New World. Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, and Ferdinand Magellan were also notable explorers, but they did not have the same level of influence or connection to the naming of America.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A fast sailing ship that could be easily steered and hold large amounts of cargo is...
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A caravel.
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A colony.
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A missionary.
Correct Answer
A. A caravel.Explanation
A caravel is a type of fast sailing ship that was commonly used during the Age of Exploration. It was designed to be easily steered and had a large cargo capacity, making it ideal for long voyages and trade expeditions. The caravel played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of new lands, as it allowed explorers to travel long distances quickly and transport large amounts of cargo, such as goods and supplies for establishing colonies. Therefore, a caravel fits the description of a fast sailing ship that could be easily steered and hold large amounts of cargo.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The English and French traveled to North America to find better items to trade, more land and riches.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the English and French did indeed travel to North America in search of better items to trade, more land, and riches. The exploration and colonization of North America by these European powers were driven by economic motives, such as finding valuable resources and establishing profitable trading routes. Additionally, they sought to expand their territories and establish colonies to increase their wealth and influence in the New World.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Columbian Exchange was the trading of goods from the East (the Americas) and the West (Europe).
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer "False" is that the Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas). It involved the transfer of crops, animals, and diseases, as well as cultural and technological exchanges. Therefore, it was not just the trading of goods between the East (the Americas) and the West (Europe), but rather a broader exchange between different parts of the world.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following items in the Columbian Exchange came from the Americas?
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Chocolate
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Onions
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Potatoes
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Wheat
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Wild turkeys
Correct Answer(s)
A. Chocolate
A. Potatoes
A. Wild turkeysExplanation
The items that came from the Americas in the Columbian Exchange are chocolate, potatoes, and wild turkeys. These items were introduced to Europe and other parts of the world after Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas. Chocolate, originally consumed as a bitter drink by the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, became popular in Europe after the addition of sugar. Potatoes, a staple crop in the Americas, were introduced to Europe and became a significant food source. Wild turkeys, native to North America, were also brought back to Europe and other parts of the world.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following items in the Columbian Exchange came from Europe?
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Buffalo or bison
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Cattle
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Horses
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Pigs
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Tomatoes
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cattle
A. Horses
A. PigsExplanation
Cattle, horses, and pigs came from Europe in the Columbian Exchange. These animals were introduced to the Americas by European explorers and settlers. They had a significant impact on the indigenous populations and the environment, as they were not native to the Americas. The introduction of these animals brought about changes in agriculture, transportation, and cultural practices in the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Where did this plant come from?
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The Americas
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Asia
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Europe
Correct Answer
A. The AmericasExplanation
The correct answer is "The Americas" because this plant originated from the Americas. This suggests that the plant is native to the regions within North, Central, and South America.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What object appears in the image below?
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A caravel
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A colony
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A conquistador
Correct Answer
A. A caravelExplanation
The object that appears in the image is a caravel. A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship that was used by explorers during the Age of Discovery. It was particularly popular among Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries. The image likely depicts a caravel due to its distinct features such as a small size, triangular sails, and a prominent bow.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Using the picture on the left answer the following question. Where did these animals come from?
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The Americas
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Africa
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Europe
Correct Answer
A. EuropeExplanation
The animals in the picture most likely came from Europe.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who is pictured in the image below?
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Aztec warriors
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French soldiers
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Spanish conquistadors
Correct Answer
A. Aztec warriorsExplanation
The image below depicts Aztec warriors. This can be inferred based on the fact that the Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization known for their highly skilled warriors. Additionally, the clothing and weaponry depicted in the image align with historical descriptions of Aztec warriors.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who discovered an island in the Caribbean and accidentally found a new landmass (the Americas).
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Christopher Columbus was indeed an Italian explorer who is credited with discovering an island in the Caribbean. However, his discovery of this island was accidental, as he was actually searching for a new trade route to Asia. In the process, he stumbled upon a new landmass, which came to be known as the Americas. Therefore, the statement "Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who discovered an island in the Caribbean and accidentally found a new landmass (the Americas)" is true.Rate this question:
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Mar 25, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Feb 18, 2009Quiz Created by
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