Conquest, Disease, and Trade

1. Which European explorer’s voyages are often credited with initiating the widespread exchange of plants, animals, culture, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds?  

   A) Ferdinand Magellan  

   B) Vasco da Gama  

   C) Christopher Columbus  

   D) Marco Polo  

   Answer: C) Christopher Columbus

2. What was the most significant impact of European diseases on the indigenous populations of the Americas?  

   A) Rapid industrialization  

   B) Massive population decline due to lack of immunity  

   C) Strengthening of indigenous political systems  

   D) Immediate development of modern healthcare  

   Answer: B) Massive population decline due to lack of immunity

3. Which disease was NOT brought to the Americas by Europeans?  

   A) Smallpox  

   B) Measles  

   C) Malaria  

   D) Polio  

   Answer: D) Polio

4. The term “Columbian Exchange” refers to:  

   A) The discovery of America by Columbus  

   B) The trade of slaves across the Atlantic  

   C) The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World  

   D) The signing of trade agreements between Europe and Asia  

   Answer: C) The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World

5. Which crop, native to the Americas, became a staple food in Europe after the Columbian Exchange?  

   A) Wheat  

   B) Rice  

   C) Potato  

   D) Barley  

   Answer: C) Potato

6. What was a major consequence of European conquests in the Americas?  

   A) Decline of European powers  

   B) Spread of democracy  

   C) Enslavement of indigenous populations and exploitation of resources  

   D) Complete preservation of native cultures  

   Answer: C) Enslavement of indigenous populations and exploitation of resources

7. Which of the following animals was introduced to the Americas by Europeans?  

   A) Bison  

   B) Llama  

   C) Horse  

   D) Alpaca  

   Answer: C) Horse

8. The introduction of which crop from the Americas greatly impacted African agriculture?  

   A) Wheat  

   B) Sugarcane  

   C) Maize  

   D) Barley  

   Answer: C) Maize

9. What role did European maritime technology play in the Age of Exploration?  

   A) It limited sea exploration to nearby regions  

   B) It helped develop underwater mining  

   C) It enabled longer sea voyages, promoting trade and conquest  

   D) It discouraged colonization  

   Answer: C) It enabled longer sea voyages, promoting trade and conquest

10. Which factor contributed most to the decline of indigenous civilizations in the Americas after European contact?  

    A) Technological advancement of native tribes  

    B) Introduction of European literature  

    C) Diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza  

    D) Peaceful cultural assimilation  

    Answer: C) Diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza