Chapter 5: Routes of Exploration to the New World

NEW WORDS

Conquistadors Contagious Diseases Northwest Passage

The Explorers

Christopher Columbus: This explorer convinced the rulers of Spain that Asia could be reached by sailing west from Europe. Though he thought he had reached Asia, he actually made the first European and claims in the New World.

Other Explorers:

John Cabot Juan Ponce de Leon Hernan Cortes

Jacques Cartier Henry Hudson Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

Robert de La Salle

Match each explorer with the description that best describes his achievements:

1) _________________ This Spanish nobleman led an expedition into what is now the southwestern US in search of a city of gold.

2) _________________ This French nobleman financed his own expedition up and down the Mississippi River Valley. He claimed land for France.

3) _________________ This explorer was a merchant who convinced sponsors in England to support him as he looked for a new trade route to Asia. He never found the trade route, but he did make England's first land claims in North America.

4) _________________ This Spanish soldier led an expedition in search of the mythical "fountain of youth". He never found the magical waters. He did find what is now Florida and claimed it for Spain.

5) _________________ This sailor was sent by the King of France to find the Northwest Passage. He never found the passage, but he made France's first land claim in North America.

6) _________________ This Spanish nobleman led an expedition to conquer the Aztec empire in what is now Central Mexico.

7) _________________ Holland (Netherlands) and England sponsored this sailor to find a sea route to Asia. He explored a large river in what is now New York and a huge bay in what is now Canada. Both bodies of water were named after him.

What impacts did Christopher Columbus have when he "discovered" the "New World"?

Which of the following countries did not sponsor an explorer from Chapter 5?

a) Spain b) France c) Italy d) Holland

What was the most common impact explorers had on North America?