Exploration & Colonization — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which best explains why European exploration was harmful to Native Americans?
A) Europeans taught Native Americans new farming methods
B) Europeans brought diseases that killed millions of Native people
C) Europeans built schools in every Native American village
D) Europeans traded fairly for all Native American lands
Disease was the greatest harm. Native Americans had no immunity to European diseases, and epidemics killed millions.
2. Why did the Spanish establish the encomienda system in the Americas?
A) To give Native Americans equal rights with settlers
B) To teach Native Americans the Spanish language
C) To force Native Americans to work for Spanish colonists
D) To help Native Americans build stronger governments
The encomienda system was designed to extract labor and resources from Native Americans for Spanish colonists.
3. Which statement about the Columbian Exchange is most accurate?
A) Only good things were exchanged between the continents
B) The exchange only affected people living in Europe
C) Both beneficial crops and deadly diseases were transferred
D) Native Americans sent diseases to Europe that killed millions
The Columbian Exchange included both positive elements (new crops) and devastating effects (diseases that killed millions of Native Americans).
4. What was a key difference between New England and Southern colonies?
A) New England relied on plantation farming while the South fished
B) Southern colonies used enslaved labor on large plantations
C) New England colonies had no form of local government
D) Southern colonies were founded only for religious freedom
Southern colonies depended on enslaved African labor for tobacco, rice, and indigo plantations. New England had small farms and sea industries.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The Columbian Exchange transferred crops, animals, and diseases between continents.
The three main transfers of the Columbian Exchange: crops (potatoes, corn, tomatoes), animals (horses, cattle), and diseases (smallpox, measles).
2. Columbus believed he had reached Asia when he landed in the Caribbean.
Columbus died believing he had reached Asia (the Indies). That's why he called the native people 'Indians.'
3. The Mayflower Compact established the idea of self-government in America.
The Mayflower Compact (1620) created the first framework of self-government in America — citizens creating their own laws.
4. Vasco da Gama found a sea route to India by sailing around Africa.
Vasco da Gama (1498) sailed around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope) to reach India.
5. Southern colonies depended heavily on enslaved labor for their plantations.
The Southern plantation economy relied on enslaved African people forced to work without pay — a deeply unjust system.