US HISTORY-The first Europeans
Apart from Christopher Columbus, who else might be called America's discoverers?
Amerigo Vespucci - 12 maps, Hernando Cortés-empire of Aztecs, Francisco Pizarro- empire of Incas, Hernando de Soto- land from Florida to Georgia and Carolinas, Mississippi river. Hernando de Alarcon, Juan Ridriguez Cabrillo- Pacific coast (land called California after the imaginary land from a popular book) Jacques Cartier- Gulf of St Lawrence, St Lawrence River, Samuel de Champlain- colony of Quebec, land as far west as lake Huron and as far south as New York State, Robert de la Salle -Ohio River country, sailed down the Mississippi river to the Gulf of Mexico. Henry Hudson- New York Bay, Delaware Bay Chesapeake Bay, John Cabot- Newfoundland Martin Frobisher- Frobisher's Bay
What are the Dutch influences in the United States?
Barns and farmhouses in the Hudson River valley. Names such as Harlem and Brooklyn. Three American presidents were of Dutch origin: Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Santa Claus- a Dutch custom.
Since Columbus was not the first person to reach America, why is he called its discoverer?
Because first explorations of America were launched from the Spanish possessions that he helped to establish.
Where in the New World were there conflicting claims among the European empires?
Britain vs. France: New England & Acadia (King William's war), Spain vs. Britain: land between Florida and Virginia CAROLINAs.
How did the Native Americans come to be called Indians?
Columbus thought he reached some Asian that was located on the Indian Ocean.
Why did the empires of the Aztecs and the Incas come to an end?
During their conquests Francisco Pizzaro and Hernando Cortes killed thousands of Aztecs and Incas. Also, Spanish conquistadors brought European diseases, such as smallpox, with them. Also the conquerors were men on horses, armed with swords and guns - the Aztecs and the Incas didn't know gunpowder. Gold and silver were taken from the Incas and added to the Spanish treasury. The Aztecs forced to dig new supplies for the Spanish.
What was the goal of Christopher Columbus on his famous voyage across the Atlantic?
He wanted to reach Indies by sailing west from Europe, because after 1453 (the fell of Constantinople) Ottoman Turks took over much of the trade in silk and spices between Indies and Europe.
What was Vinland?
It was a land along the coast of New England and Canada explored by Vikings. + the land which Leif explored in 1001 - the north-east coast of what is now Canada. Name from vine with grapes that Leif found there.
How did each of the following: Cabrillo, de Soto and Coronado contribute to Spain's New World empire?
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo - explored the Pacific coast Hernando de Soto - 1539- explored land from Florida to Georgia and Carolinas, 1541- reached the Mississippi river Francisco Coronado - 1540- 1542- explored New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Kansas (Grand Canyon)
What are Spanish influences in the United States?
Laws regulating the use of water, colonial architecture: ranch style houses, churches, public buildings, longhorn cattle, rodeo, sombrero.
Who reached America in 1000?
Leif- son of Erick the Red, Norse from Greenland.
Why was the French empire sparsely settled?
Many expeditions managed by many leaders, they weren't coordinated enough to occupy just one area, the French colonial empire was built from the 17th century to the 60's of 20th century and they travelled all around the world. When it comes to Americas they had to occupy the territory which hadn't been occupied before. French empire occupied large areas and it was quite hard to make it densely populated. We should also mention the climate and harsh conditions which didn't make it easier to settlers.
What reminds us today that France once claimed large parts of the United States?
Names of the two states: Vermont, Louisiana. Names of the cities: Detroit, St Louis. Canada is bilingual nation, cities of Quebec and Montreal contain large numbers of French speaking people.
What did each of the following: Cabral, Balboa, de Leon and Magellan do in the era of exploration?
Pedro Cabral - exploration of the northeast coast of South America and claimed it for Portugal, Vasco Nunez Balboa - crossed Isthmus of Panama - first to reach Pacific from the New World, settled in the island of Hispaniola, Juan Ponce de Leon - first European expedition to Florida (in search for a Fountain of Youth), Ferdinand Magellan - first expedition to sail from Atlantic into Pacific (Strait of Magellan), it also completed circumnavigation of Earth (he himself didn't - killed by bloodthirsty Philippians).
What did the tsar require of the Russian American Company?
The Russian American Company was chartered by the Tsar in 1799 to govern Russian possessions in the North America (Under the charter, one-third of all profits were to go to the emperor.). Trade: furs, timber, fish. military base for army and navy, missionary activity( Russian priests converted Indians to the Russian orthodox form of Christianity).
How did the Dutch promote settlement of their colony?
They built forts, e.g. Fort Amsterdam (later New Amsterdam), along rivers - Connecticut and Delaware, colony on Manhattan. New Amsterdam made into a strong naval base from where Spanish ships were attacked.
What contributions to American life were made by Swedish colonists?
They probably built the first log cabins in America - they showed how to build houses (skilled at cutting down trees).
How did Africans help build New World empires for the European powers?
They sailed with Christopher Columbus. Dragged Spanish artillery during the conquest of Aztecs( Cortes). Accompanied Pizarro during the conquest of Incas. Sailed up the St Lawrence River with French. Helped to explore the Mississippi Valley. Work in the colonies of Kaskaskia (French) and New Amsterdam (Dutch). Later their work on the Southern plantations was the basis for their economical system.
Why did Dutch merchants hire Henry Hudson?
They wanted him to find a shorter way to the Spice Islands (coast of the South-east Asia).
What were the French explorers looking for in North America?
They were looking for the north-west passage to Indies.
Where were the majority of the slaves sent?
To Brazil and the Caribbean Islands.
Whose explorations gave Russia claims to Alaska?
Vitus Bering.
