Explorers and Conquistadores
Who was the Spanish explorer known for his expeditions in the Americas and is credited with discovering America in 1492?
Christopher Columbus
What term describes the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World?
Columbian Exchange
What was the primary reason for the Atlantic Slave Trade?
Economic profit through the exploitation of African labor on plantations in the Americas
Name one of the major Mesoamerican civilizations known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
Aztec or Maya
Name one technological advancement that aided European explorers in their voyages during the Age of Exploration.
Caravel, Astrolabe, Magnetic Compass, Lateen sail ( any one will get the point)
Which Portuguese explorer was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope?
Vasco da Gama
Name one vegetable that was introduced to Europe as a part of the Columbian Exchange.
Potato or tomato
Describe the Middle Passage in the context of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
The Middle Passage was the stage of the Atlantic Slave Trade where enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas, enduring harsh conditions, overcrowding, and high mortality rates.
Which Mesoamerican civilization built the city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco?
Aztec civilization
How did the compass improve navigation during the Age of Exploration?
It allowed sailors to determine direction accurately even when out of sight of land, reducing reliance on landmarks and enabling more confident navigation.
Name the Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico.
Hernán Cortés
Which deadly disease was brought to the Americas from Europe as a result of the Columbian Exchange?
Smallpox
Which European country played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade?
Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands were major players, but Portugal had a particularly significant role in the early stages
Describe the religious beliefs of the Aztec, Inca, and Maya civilizations.
Polytheistic beliefs with elaborate pantheons involving gods associated with nature, agriculture, and celestial bodies; sacrificial practices were common
What role did the astrolabe play in the exploration of new territories?
he astrolabe helped sailors determine latitude by measuring the angle between the horizon and the celestial bodies, aiding in navigation.
Which explorer led the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the globe?
Ferdinand Magellan
What impact did the Columbian Exchange have on the global economy?
Increased trade, expansion of markets, and establishment of global economic networks
How did the Atlantic Slave Trade contribute to the economic development of Europe?
It provided cheap labor for the production of commodities such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, leading to economic growth and the accumulation of capital in Europe
How did the Aztec empire rise to power?
Geographic location and weapons
Describe the significance of the caravel in the Age of Exploration.
Caravels were highly maneuverable ships that enabled long-distance exploration, trade, and colonization due to their combination of lateen sails and sturdy hull design.
Identify the Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire in Peru.
Francisco Pizarro
How did the Columbian Exchange impact the diets of people in both the Americas and Europe?
It diversified diets by introducing new foods to both regions, such as potatoes, tomatoes, maize, and tobacco.
What impact did the Atlantic Slave Trade have on African societies?
It led to destabilization, loss of population, disruption of social structures, and facilitated the emergence of new power dynamics among African societies
What were some key developments in architecture and engineering in the Aztec, Inca, and Maya civilizations?
Elaborate city planning, temples, pyramids, and observatories; Aztec: Floating gardens, monumental architecture, and complex irrigation systems; Inca: Machu Picchu, extensive road networks, and advanced agricultural terracing.
How did advances in cartography contribute to the success of European explorers during the Age of Exploration?
Improved maps and navigation charts provided accurate representations of coastlines, currents, and navigational routes, reducing risks and increasing the efficiency of exploration and trade routes.