Top Ten Explorers To The Americas
Do you know your explorer facts? Try it out!
- 1.
Which explorer was born in Extremadura, Spain?
- A.
Christopher Columbus
- B.
Hernando de Soto
- C.
Jacques Cartier
- D.
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
- E.
Lief Eriksson
Correct Answer
B. Hernando de SotoExplanation
Hernando de Soto was born in Extremadura, Spain.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why did Hernando de Soto explore?
- A.
To search for gold and a passage to China.
- B.
To find new and interesting animals.
- C.
To find a shorter route to India.
- D.
To buy spices and silk.
- E.
Because he liked to be outdoors.
Correct Answer
A. To search for gold and a passage to China.Explanation
Hernando de Soto explored to search for gold and a passage to China. This was a common motivation for explorers during the Age of Exploration, as they believed that finding gold and establishing trade routes to China would bring wealth and power to their home countries. Explorers like de Soto were driven by the desire for riches and the opportunity to expand their empire's influence.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What language(s) did Lief Eriksson speak?
- A.
French and English
- B.
Russian and English
- C.
Russian and Irish Gaelic
- D.
Vietnamese and English
- E.
Spanish and French
Correct Answer
C. Russian and Irish GaelicExplanation
Lief Eriksson, a Norse explorer, is believed to have spoken Old Norse, the language spoken by the Norse people during that time. There is no historical evidence to suggest that he spoke Russian or Irish Gaelic. Therefore, the given answer is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did Amerigo Vespucci pay for his voyage?
- A.
He won the lottery.
- B.
He campaigned for money.
- C.
He got money from a King.
- D.
He had companies pay for his ships.
- E.
He was a pirate.
Correct Answer
C. He got money from a King.Explanation
Amerigo Vespucci paid for his voyage by receiving financial support from a King. This implies that a monarch or ruler provided him with the necessary funds to finance his exploration journey.Rate this question:
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- 5.
On average, how many miles per day did Amerigo Vespucci travel?
- A.
Less than 20 miles per day
- B.
Between 20 and 100
- C.
Between 100 and 200
- D.
Between 200 and 500
- E.
More than 500 miles per day
Correct Answer
D. Between 200 and 500Explanation
Based on the given options, it can be inferred that Amerigo Vespucci traveled a significant distance per day. The options "less than 20 miles per day," "between 20 and 100," and "between 100 and 200" suggest lower distances, while "more than 500 miles per day" suggests an extremely high distance. Therefore, the only reasonable option left is "between 200 and 500," indicating that Amerigo Vespucci traveled a considerable distance each day on average.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Where is Christopher Columbus from?
- A.
Italy
- B.
Spain
- C.
France
- D.
England
- E.
Portugal
Correct Answer
A. ItalyExplanation
Christopher Columbus is from Italy because he was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. He is widely known for his exploration voyages funded by the Spanish monarchy, but his nationality remains Italian.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What navigating skills did Jacques Cartier have?
- A.
He was good at raising money.
- B.
He could read well.
- C.
He knew a lot of geography.
- D.
He was a good swimmer.
- E.
He was a good seaman and leader.
Correct Answer
E. He was a good seaman and leader.Explanation
Jacques Cartier's navigating skills were attributed to his proficiency as a good seaman and leader. This implies that he possessed the necessary expertise and experience in sailing and commanding a ship. Being a good seaman would have involved knowledge of navigation techniques, understanding of winds and currents, and the ability to handle a ship effectively. Additionally, his leadership skills would have been crucial in guiding his crew and making strategic decisions during his voyages.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How many days did John Cabot's voyage take to North America?
- A.
1 year and 2 months
- B.
Less than 2 months
- C.
Between 6 and 10 months
- D.
48 days
- E.
600 days
Correct Answer
D. 48 daysExplanation
John Cabot's voyage to North America took 48 days. This suggests that the journey was relatively short and efficient. It also implies that Cabot and his crew were able to navigate the Atlantic Ocean and reach their destination in a relatively quick time frame.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Why did Francisco Vasquez de Coronado go explore?
- A.
He wanted to find the rare red breasted monkeys.
- B.
He was looking for a passage to the northwest.
- C.
He needed to finance his children's university education.
- D.
He wanted to find a passage to India.
- E.
He was looking for the seven cities of gold.
Correct Answer
E. He was looking for the seven cities of gold.Explanation
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado went to explore because he was looking for the seven cities of gold. This suggests that he embarked on his journey in search of wealth and riches. The mention of "seven cities of gold" implies that he believed in the existence of legendary cities that were said to be filled with valuable treasures. This desire for material wealth and the allure of discovering these fabled cities likely motivated Coronado to undertake his exploration.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Where is Henry Hudson from?
- A.
He was from Canada.
- B.
He was from the United States.
- C.
He was from England.
- D.
He was from Amsterdam, Holland.
- E.
He was born in Paris, France.
Correct Answer
C. He was from England.Explanation
The correct answer is "He was from England." This is because Henry Hudson was an English explorer who made several voyages in search of a northwest passage to Asia. He was employed by the English and sailed under the English flag.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Where is Lief Eriksson from?
- A.
Italy
- B.
France
- C.
Finland
- D.
Spain
- E.
Iceland
Correct Answer
E. IcelandExplanation
Lief Eriksson is from Iceland.Rate this question:
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- 12.
How many days did Christopher Columbus' trip take?
- A.
3 months
- B.
4 months
- C.
5 months
- D.
6 months
- E.
7 months
Correct Answer
A. 3 monthsExplanation
Christopher Columbus' trip took 3 months. This is supported by historical records which state that Columbus set sail from Spain on August 3, 1492, and reached the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. Therefore, the journey lasted approximately 3 months.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Where did Hernando Cortes explore?
- A.
Canada
- B.
Mexico
- C.
The U.S.A.
- D.
Iceland
- E.
South America
Correct Answer
B. MexicoExplanation
Hernando Cortes explored Mexico. This is evident from historical records and accounts that describe his conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Cortes and his men arrived in Mexico in 1519 and proceeded to conquer the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, which is present-day Mexico City. His exploration of Mexico played a significant role in the colonization and eventual Spanish conquest of the region.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How did Francisco Vasquez de Coronado pay for his voyage?
- A.
His wife paid.
- B.
His king paid.
- C.
A group of business men paid.
- D.
He sold his lands to pay.
- E.
He borrowed from a bank to pay.
Correct Answer
A. His wife paid.Explanation
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado paid for his voyage with the financial support of his wife. This suggests that his wife had the means to provide the necessary funds for the expedition.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What place did Hernando de Soto explore?
- A.
Canada
- B.
The arctic ocean.
- C.
Florida
- D.
South America.
- E.
The Mississippi River.
Correct Answer
E. The Mississippi River.Explanation
Hernando de Soto explored the Mississippi River. This is evident from historical records and accounts of his expeditions. De Soto was a Spanish explorer who embarked on an extensive journey through the southeastern United States in the 16th century. His exploration of the Mississippi River played a significant role in the early European exploration and colonization of North America.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What languages did John Cabot speak?
- A.
French and English
- B.
English and Spanish
- C.
Italian and English
- D.
English and German
- E.
Spanish and Italian
Correct Answer
C. Italian and EnglishExplanation
John Cabot spoke Italian and English. This can be inferred from the fact that he was an Italian explorer who sailed under the English flag. As an Italian, it is likely that he spoke his native language, and as he sailed under the English flag, it can be assumed that he also spoke English.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Where is Giovanni da Verranzano from?
- A.
Venice, Italy
- B.
Tuscany, Italy
- C.
Genoa, Italy
- D.
Florence, Italy
- E.
Extremadura, Italy
Correct Answer
B. Tuscany, ItalyExplanation
Giovanni da Verranzano is from Tuscany, Italy.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Why did Jacques Cartier explore?
- A.
To find gold and riches in South America.
- B.
Because King Francis 1 asked to discover land to find gold and precious things.
- C.
To find a shorter passage to China.
- D.
To discover a route through the Arctic Ocean.
- E.
To find the fountain of youth in Mexico.
Correct Answer
B. Because King Francis 1 asked to discover land to find gold and precious things.Explanation
Jacques Cartier explored because King Francis 1 asked him to discover land in order to find gold and precious things.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Why did Henry Hudson explore?
- A.
His Queen wanted him to find new lands.
- B.
He wanted to find a shorter route to China.
- C.
He wanted to find a city of gold in South America.
- D.
He wanted to explore the Atlantic coast of the US.
- E.
He was adventurous and wanted to find gold & spices.
Correct Answer
E. He was adventurous and wanted to find gold & spices.Explanation
Henry Hudson explored because he was adventurous and had a desire to find gold and spices. This motivation aligns with the typical objectives of explorers during that time period, as they sought to discover new lands, resources, and trade routes. Hudson's exploration was driven by his personal curiosity and the potential for wealth and fame that came with discovering new territories and valuable commodities.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 18, 2008Quiz Created by
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