Explorers
Motives for Exploration
Columbian Exchange
Triangular Trade
Vocab
100

Which explorer reached the Caribbean in 1492 while searching for a route to Asia?

Christopher Columbus 

100

What three words are often used to summarize the motives for European exploration?

God, Gold, Glory

100

What is the Columbian Exchange? 

The exchange of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World after European contact.

100

Which three regions were connected by Triangle Trade?

Europe, Africa, Americas

100

What was the name for the forced journey of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic?

Middle Passage

200

Which explorer is credited with leading the first expedition to sail around the world?

Ferdinand Magellan 

200

Which “G” in “God, Gold, and Glory” describes the desire to spread Christianity?

God

200

Which crop from the Americas became an important food in Europe and helped support population growth?

Corn

200

What was the Middle Passage?

The forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to the Americas.

200

What does “circumnavigation” mean?

Sailing completely around the world.

300

 Hernán Cortés conquered which powerful Indigenous empire?

Aztecs
300

Name one reason Europeans searched for new sea routes to Asia.

to get Asian spices and luxury items and avoid extra costs (Ottomans, Venice)

300

Name one animal Europeans brought to the Americas.

horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep

300

What was one harmful effect of Triangle Trade on African societies?

The forced removal of people weakened communities and contributed to population loss and conflict.

300

What was the Encomienda System?

A Spanish colonial labor system that granted colonists control over Indigenous labor and tribute.

400

Francisco Pizzaro conquered which powerful Indigenous empire?

Incas

400

What economic theory encouraged European nations to build colonies and collect wealth?

Mercantilism 

400

What European diseases had the most impact on Indigenous populations in the Americas

Smallpox

400

In the Atlantic trade system, what kinds of goods were commonly shipped from the Americas to Europe? (specific) 

sugar, tobacco, cotton, furs, molasses 

400

 What is a “caravel,” and how did it help explorers?

A small, maneuverable sailing ship with triangular sails used for long-distance exploration.

500

Name the Portuguese explorer who sailed around Africa and reached India by sea.

Vasco Da Gama 


500

Under mercantilism, why did European nations want colonies?

Colonies supplied raw materials and served as markets for the home country’s goods.

500

Give 2 examples of food items that moved from the Americas to Europe

corn, potatoes, tomatoes, honeybee, squash, pumpkins, green beans

500

Explain how the three sides of Triangle Trade connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

European manufactured goods went to Africa; enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas; raw materials from the Americas were shipped to Europe.

500

Which navigation tool helped sailors estimate latitude by observing the stars?

The astrolabe.