Biography of Columbus
Where was Christopher Columbus born?
Genoa, Italy.
In what year did Columbus discover America?
In 1492.
Is it a myth that Columbus "discovered" America?
Yes, it’s a myth, as the land was already inhabited by indigenous peoples.
Which ocean did Columbus cross to reach America?
The Atlantic Ocean.
In which century did the Age of Exploration occur?
The 15th-16th centuries.
What profession did Columbus choose in his youth?
Sailor.
What were the names of the three ships Columbus used on his first voyage?
"Santa María," "Pinta," "Niña."
Is it true that Columbus thought he had found India?
Yes, he mistakenly believed he had reached Asia.
Which two major regions of America did Columbus visit?
The Caribbean Islands and Central America.
What scientific achievement helped navigation during Columbus’s time?
The creation of maps and the improvement of compasses.
What education did Columbus receive?
He studied navigation, cartography, and seamanship.
Which island was the first one discovered by Columbus in 1492?
Haiti (or San Salvador).
Is it a myth that Columbus was the first European to see America?
Yes, as the Vikings likely reached America earlier.
Name one country that supported Columbus’s expeditions.
Spain.
How did the Renaissance influence interest in geographical discoveries?
The revival of science and arts encouraged new explorations and the discovery of new routes.
How did Columbus’s experience working on Portuguese ships influence his career?
He learned navigation and seamanship, which prepared him for expeditions.
In which years did Columbus’s other four voyages take place?
1493, 1498, 1502, 1506.
What are "common misconceptions" about Columbus?
These are ideas about his actions and motives that distort true history.
What route did Columbus take on his first voyage?
From Spain across the Atlantic to the Caribbean islands.
Which country became the leading maritime power in the early 16th century?
Spain.
What motivated Columbus to embark on his expeditions?
The search for a western sea route to India and the desire for wealth.
What role did the newly discovered lands play in Spain’s economic strategy after Columbus’s discovery?
They provided Spain with wealth and colonial power, which increased its influence in Europe.
What myth about Columbus is related to his treatment of the indigenous peoples?
The myth that he treated them with respect, while his actions led to their oppression and destruction.
How did Columbus’s discoveries influence further maritime exploration and colonization in the New World?
They opened the path for European colonization, migration, and trade in America.
What was the significance of the Age of Exploration for the global economy?
It led to the creation of global trade and exchange between Europe and the New World.