#1
Which explorer is credited with the European discovery of the mainland of the Americas?
Amerigo Vespucci
ExplanationNamed after Amerigo Vespucci, the Americas were discovered as a distinct landmass by European explorers.
#2
Which indigenous group did Hernán Cortés encounter in his conquest of Mexico?
Aztec
ExplanationHernán Cortés encountered the Aztec civilization during his conquest of Mexico, leading to the fall of the Aztec Empire.
#3
Which Italian explorer is known for sailing under the Spanish flag and discovering the Bahamas in 1492?
Christopher Columbus
ExplanationChristopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, sailed under the Spanish flag and is credited with discovering the Bahamas in 1492, initiating European contact with the Americas.
#4
Who was the Spanish conquistador responsible for the conquest of the Inca Empire?
Francisco Pizarro
ExplanationFrancisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, led the conquest of the Inca Empire in present-day Peru, capturing its last emperor, Atahualpa.
#5
Which indigenous civilization built the city of Teotihuacan in present-day Mexico?
Aztec
ExplanationThe Aztec civilization built the city of Teotihuacan in present-day Mexico, demonstrating their advanced architectural and urban planning skills.
#6
Who was the Aztec ruler at the time of the Spanish conquest of Mexico?
Montezuma II
ExplanationMontezuma II was the Aztec ruler during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, leading to the fall of the Aztec Empire.
#7
Which European nation was the first to establish colonies in the present-day United States?
England
ExplanationEngland was the first European nation to establish colonies in what is now the United States, beginning with the Jamestown settlement.
#8
Which indigenous civilization built the city of Machu Picchu in present-day Peru?
Inca
ExplanationThe Inca civilization built Machu Picchu, a magnificent city located in the Andes Mountains of present-day Peru.
#9
Who was the English explorer who famously explored the northeastern coast of North America in 1497?
John Cabot
ExplanationJohn Cabot, an English explorer, is known for exploring and claiming parts of northeastern North America for England.
#10
Which European nation controlled most of South America during the colonial period?
Spain
ExplanationSpain controlled most of South America during the colonial period, establishing a vast empire across the continent.
#11
Who were the conquistadors?
European explorers and conquerors
ExplanationConquistadors were European explorers and conquerors who sought to conquer territories in the Americas, primarily for Spain.
#12
Which European country established the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States?
England
ExplanationEngland established the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States with the founding of Jamestown in 1607.
#13
What was the primary motivation for European exploration of the Americas?
Search for new trade routes
ExplanationThe primary motivation for European exploration of the Americas was the search for new trade routes to Asia, particularly for valuable spices and goods.
#14
Who was the Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztec Empire?
Hernán Cortés
ExplanationHernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, led the expedition that resulted in the defeat of the Aztec Empire, paving the way for Spanish colonization of Mexico.
#15
What was the impact of European diseases on the indigenous populations of the Americas?
Devastating impact
ExplanationEuropean diseases had a devastating impact on the indigenous populations of the Americas, leading to widespread death and population decline.