A Trivia Quiz On Columbus Day!

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| By Bryanmcgonigle9

Bryanmcgonigle9

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 6 | Total Attempts: 7,460

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 4,009 | Updated: Nov 14, 2023

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Embark on a journey through history with our "Columbus Day Quiz!" Explore the captivating questions that unravel the significance, voyages, and impact of Christopher Columbus. From historical landmarks to the cultural legacy of the explorer, this quiz offers an engaging way to test your knowledge on Columbus Day. Challenge yourself, discover intriguing facts, and gain insights into the age of exploration. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious learner, this quiz provides a fun and informative experience. Take the quiz now and celebrate the spirit of exploration and discovery!

Columbus Day Questions and Answers Questions and Answers

1.

What was Christopher Columbus' heritage?
- A.
  
  Spanish
- B.
  
  German
- C.
  
  Italian
- D.
  
  British
Correct Answer
C. Italian

Explanation
Christopher Columbus' heritage was Italian because he was born in Genoa, Italy. He is widely known as an Italian explorer who sailed for the Spanish Crown in the late 15th century. Columbus is credited with discovering the Americas, although he believed he had reached Asia. His Italian heritage is an important aspect of his identity and is often mentioned when discussing his life and accomplishments.

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2.

In what year was Christopher Columbus born?
- A.
  
  1450
- B.
  
  1451
- C.
  
  1452
- D.
  
  1453
Correct Answer
B. 1451

Explanation
Christopher Columbus was born in the year 1451.

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3.

What was the purpose of Columbus' journey?
- A.
  
  To explore America.
- B.
  
  To make sure the Earth was round.
- C.
  
  To explore a western route to East Asia/the Indies.
- D.
  
  To find pirates.
Correct Answer
C. To explore a western route to East Asia/the Indies.

Explanation
The purpose of Columbus' journey was to explore a western route to East Asia/the Indies. Columbus believed that by sailing west, he could reach Asia and establish trade routes. He was seeking a faster and more direct route to the lucrative spice trade, bypassing the Ottoman Empire. Although he did not reach Asia, his journey led to the discovery of the Americas and the eventual colonization by European powers.

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4.

Why was a western route to Asia desired?
- A.
  
  Water travel is easier than land travel.
- B.
  
  The Ottoman Turks had made land travel to the Far East dangerous.
- C.
  
  To convert East Asians to Catholicism.
- D.
  
  Gold would be easier to ship on a boat.
Correct Answer
B. The Ottoman Turks had made land travel to the Far East dangerous.

Explanation
A western route to Asia was desired because the Ottoman Turks had made land travel to the Far East dangerous. The Ottoman Empire controlled the land routes, making it difficult and risky for traders to travel through their territory. Therefore, finding an alternative sea route became crucial for European powers to access the lucrative trade markets of Asia. This led to the exploration and discovery of new sea routes, such as the famous voyages of Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, ultimately changing the course of history and global trade.

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5.

Why did Portugal's king decline to sponsor Columbus' mission?
- A.
  
  Because an eastern sea route was reached around Africa's southern tip.
- B.
  
  The king's advisers felt that Columbus had underestimated the distance of a western journey to Asia.
- C.
  
  The king was Catholic and thought the Earth was flat.
- D.
  
  A and B
Correct Answer
D. A and B

Explanation
The correct answer is A and B. Portugal's king declined to sponsor Columbus' mission because an eastern sea route was reached around Africa's southern tip, and the king's advisers felt that Columbus had underestimated the distance of a western journey to Asia. This suggests that the king saw no need to fund Columbus' mission since there was already a viable alternative route and doubts about the feasibility of Columbus' proposed route. Additionally, the king being Catholic and thinking the Earth was flat may have influenced his decision, further reinforcing his skepticism towards Columbus' plan.

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6.

After asking multiple monarchs, Columbus eventually received support from Spain. Who convinced the Spanish king and his advisers to support Columbus' journey?
- A.
  
  Columbus
- B.
  
  Queen Isabella
- C.
  
  Princess Joanna
- D.
  
  Local merchants
Correct Answer
B. Queen Isabella

Explanation
Queen Isabella is the correct answer because she was the one who convinced the Spanish king and his advisers to support Columbus' journey. Queen Isabella believed in Columbus' plan to find a new trade route to Asia and agreed to sponsor his expedition. She provided Columbus with financial support and the necessary ships and crew. Queen Isabella's support was crucial in enabling Columbus to embark on his historic voyage and ultimately discover the Americas.

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7.

Columbus had three ships for his first journey. On which one did he travel?
- A.
  
  The Nina
- B.
  
  The Pinta
- C.
  
  The Santa Maria
- D.
  
  The Isabella
Correct Answer
C. The Santa Maria

Explanation
Columbus traveled on the Santa Maria during his first journey.

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8.

How many voyages did Christopher Columbus make to America?
- A.
  
  1
- B.
  
  2
- C.
  
  3
- D.
  
  4
Correct Answer
D. 4

Explanation
Christopher Columbus made four voyages to America. He embarked on his first voyage in 1492, during which he reached the Bahamas and explored various Caribbean islands. His second voyage took place in 1493, during which he explored more Caribbean islands and made his way to South America. Columbus's third voyage occurred in 1498, and he explored the coast of South America further. Finally, his fourth and last voyage took place in 1502, during which he explored Central America.

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9.

When did Columbus realize he had explored a new continent?
- A.
  
  During his first trip.
- B.
  
  During his second trip.
- C.
  
  After his last trip.
- D.
  
  Until he died, he thought he had explored Asia.
Correct Answer
D. Until he died, he thought he had explored Asia.

Explanation
Columbus believed until his death that he had explored Asia. He made four voyages to the Americas between 1492 and 1504, but he never realized that he had actually discovered a new continent. He firmly believed that he had reached the eastern coast of Asia, and this misconception persisted throughout his life. It was only after his death that other explorers and cartographers realized the true extent of his discoveries and the existence of a new continent.

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10.

In what year did Congress make Columbus Day a nationally recognized holiday?
- A.
  
  1789
- B.
  
  1880
- C.
  
  1909
- D.
  
  1971
Correct Answer
D. 1971

Explanation
In 1971, Congress made Columbus Day a nationally recognized holiday. This means that it became an official holiday that is celebrated across the entire country. Prior to this, Columbus Day may have been recognized in certain states or regions, but it was not officially recognized nationwide until 1971.

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