European Explorers Overview

Name:

Date:

European explorer ship sailing across the ocean

🗺️ Part 1: Explorer Knowledge

1. Which explorer is known for his voyage to the Americas in 1492?

Christopher Columbus

Ferdinand Magellan

Vasco da Gama

Marco Polo

2. Which explorer attempted to sail around the world?

Christopher Columbus

Ferdinand Magellan

Vasco da Gama

Amerigo Vespucci

3. What were the main motivations for European exploration? (Check all that apply)

Finding new trade routes

Gaining wealth and riches

Spreading religion

Building vacation resorts

4. Vasco da Gama is famous for finding a sea route to which continent?

North America

Asia (India)

Australia

Antarctica

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer Questions

5. Fill in the blanks about the Age of Exploration:

The Age of Exploration took place during the _______ to _______ centuries. European explorers sailed dangerous seas to find new _____________ routes and spread their _____________.

6. Name one positive and one negative impact that European exploration had on indigenous peoples:

Positive impact: _________________________________________________

Negative impact: _________________________________________________

7. Explain why explorers were willing to risk dangerous sea journeys. Use at least two reasons in your answer:

8. What was the Columbian Exchange? Describe what it involved:

🎨 Part 3: Creative Thinking

9. If you were an explorer in the 1400s, which motivation would be most important to you: finding trade routes, gaining wealth, or spreading religion? Explain your choice:

10. Draw and label a simple map showing one explorer's route. Include the starting point, destination, and any important stops along the way: