European Exploration

Question 1

Marco Polo

Answer 1

After his success, explorers began looking for quicker routes to Asia by water.

Question 2

Columbus Discovers “New World”

Answer 2

Columbus believed that the world was round, and if he sailed west, he would reach Asia. In 1492, Columbus landed in what he thought was India, and called the people there Indians. Columbus later realized that he had really discovered a “New World”.

Question 3

Spanish Conquistadors

Answer 3

Spain sent soldiers (conquistadors) to the “New World” to take land and look for gold. Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec people in Mexico. Francisco Pizzaro conquered the Incan empire in South America.

Question 4

New Spain

Answer 4

Spain controlled much of North and South America, and called it New Spain. Some Spaniards built missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity, while others forced Natives to dig for gold.

Question 5

Columbian Exchange

Answer 5

Food, animals, and diseases were being shared by Europe, Africa, and the New World.

Question 6

Other Countries Establish Colonies

Answer 6

Catholic Spain began growing in wealth and power because of “New Spain” Because of this, other countries wanted to start their own colonies. The English, French, and Dutch soon claimed land in North America.