Unit 2, Chapter 3, Lessons 3 & 4 Study Guide

What benefits do you think Verrazano might have promised the king?

A new sea trade route to Asia and the wealth and power that route would provide France.

Do you think the Spanish leaders thought Desoto's expedition to Florida was a success? Explain.

Probably not; he failed to find gold or other riches, lost about half of his men. and died during the expedition.

How did the Aztecs' belief in Quetzalcoatl help Cortes conquer Mexico?

The Aztecs thought Cortes might be Quetzalcoatl. The Aztec emperor welcomed Cortes and gave him gifts of gold.

How were France's and Spain's reason for exploring the Americas similar?

Both nations wanted gold and other riches and a trade route to Asia.

How were the Catholic Church's reason for sending missionaries to the Americas similar to those of the Catholic kings and queens who sent explorers?

Both wanted to gain wealth from the lands, and both wanted to spread the Catholic religion.

What was the aim of Coronado's expedition?

Coronado hoped to find gold (the golden cities).

Who sponsored each of Hudson's expeditions?

English and Dutch companies.

What was Ponce de Leon the first Spanish explorer to do?

Ponce de Leon became the first Spanish explorer to set foot on land that became part of the United States (Florida).

Why did European explorers want to find the Northwest Passage?

They believed it was a shortcut across North America to the riches of Asia.

Why did other Europeans explore North America and what did they find?

They wanted to find a water route to Asia, gain wealth, and claim land. They found that North America is much larger than they thought, with many large bays and rivers.

Why did some trading companies send explorers to North America?

They wanted to find and control new trade routes to Asia.