Early European Colonization in America Quiz

Explore colonial history with questions on first settlements, explorers, and motivations. How well do you know America's early European colonization?

#1

Which European country was the first to establish colonies in the Americas?

Spain
England
Portugal
France
#2

Who is often credited with the 'discovery' of America in 1492?

Christopher Columbus
Amerigo Vespucci
Ferdinand Magellan
Marco Polo
#3

Which European explorer is known for circumnavigating the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan
Vasco da Gama
Francis Drake
Hernán Cortés
#4

Which Native American civilization was encountered by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century?

Aztec Empire
Inca Empire
Maya Civilization
Mississippian Culture
#5

Which European explorer is credited with the discovery of the Pacific Ocean?

Amerigo Vespucci
Juan Ponce de León
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Hernando de Soto
#6

Which European country established the colony of Quebec in Canada?

Spain
France
England
Netherlands
#7

Which treaty divided the New World between Spain and Portugal in 1494?

Treaty of Tordesillas
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Utrecht
Treaty of Paris
#8

Which European country established the colony of New Amsterdam, later known as New York?

Netherlands
France
England
Spain
#9

Who was the leader of the Powhatan Confederacy during the early years of Jamestown?

Pocahontas
Sitting Bull
Samoset
Powhatan
#10

What was the main cash crop of the British colony of Virginia during its early years?

Cotton
Rice
Indigo
Tobacco
#11

What was the main motivation behind European exploration and colonization in the Americas?

Religious conversion
Desire for spices
Expansion of trade
Search for new trade routes
#12

Which European nation established the colony of Saint Augustine in Florida?

Spain
Portugal
England
France
#13

Which English settlement in America was the first successful, permanent colony?

Plymouth Colony
Jamestown
Roanoke Colony
Massachusetts Bay Colony
#14

Which European nation established the colony of Brazil in South America?

Spain
Portugal
England
France
#15

Which European explorer first reached the coast of what is now the United States in 1524?

Jacques Cartier
Hernando de Soto
Giovanni da Verrazzano
John Cabot
#16

Who was the Native American guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Sacagawea
Pocahontas
Sitting Bull
Crazy Horse
#17

Who was the founder of the colony of Pennsylvania?

John Smith
William Penn
Roger Williams
Lord Baltimore

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