Exploration & Colonization — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. What caused European nations to search for new sea routes in the 1400s?
A) They wanted to explore outer space
B) The Ottoman Empire blocked overland trade routes to Asia
C) Native Americans invited Europeans to visit
D) European kings ran out of farmland at home
The Ottoman Empire's control of eastern trade routes made Asian goods expensive. Europeans needed alternate sea routes.
2. What was one effect of the founding of Jamestown in 1607?
A) England established its first permanent settlement in America
B) Spain gave up all claims to the Americas
C) The Columbian Exchange ended completely
D) Native Americans gained more control of the land
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, beginning English colonization.
3. Which best describes an effect of the Columbian Exchange on Europe?
A) Europeans lost all of their livestock
B) New crops like potatoes helped feed growing populations
C) Europeans stopped all trade with other continents
D) European languages were replaced by Native languages
The potato (from the Americas) became a staple food in Europe, helping feed growing populations and preventing famine.
4. Why did Southern colonies develop a plantation economy?
A) The cold climate was perfect for growing wheat
B) They had no access to rivers or oceans for trade
C) The warm climate and rich soil supported cash crops
D) Colonists preferred fishing over farming
The warm, humid climate of the South was ideal for tobacco, rice, and indigo — perfect for large plantation agriculture.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The Ottoman Empire blocked the overland trade routes Europeans had used.
The Silk Road and other overland routes through the Middle East were controlled by the Ottomans, raising prices.
2. Tobacco became the most important cash crop in Virginia.
A cash crop is grown to sell for profit rather than for personal use. Tobacco was Virginia's main cash crop.
3. New England colonists governed themselves through town meetings.
Town meetings were a form of direct democracy where all citizens gathered to vote on community decisions.
4. The 13 colonies were established between 1607 and 1733.
Jamestown (1607) was the first; Georgia (1733) was the last. The 13 colonies formed over 126 years.
5. Potatoes from the Americas helped prevent famine in Europe.
The potato's high yield and nutrition helped feed more people on less land, reducing famine in Europe.