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1
PRE/POST-TEST
Name:
Block:
Exploration in the New World Test
Multiple-Choice. Read the prompt and choose the answer that best completes the
sentence. Read each choice carefully and circle the right answer.
1. The triangular trade was an exchange of goods among the following three
regions:
a. China, the Middle East and Europe.
b. Europe, Africa and the Americas.
(Knowledge)
c. North America, South America and Europe.
d. India, the Americas and Africa.
2. Which of the following best explains the reason the Spanish were able to conquer
Latin America so quickly?
a. Horses
b. Armor
c. Disease (Knowledge)
d. Military tactics
3. Which of the following was NOT an indigenous tribe of the Americas?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sherpa
Inca
Maya
Aztec
(Knowledge)
4. Spanish soldiers who came to colonize the Americas were known as
a. Encomiendas
b. Patricians
c. Conquistadores (Knowledge)
d. Mercantados
5. Why were Spanish missionaries successful in converting natives to Christianity?
a. The practice of religion provided familiar stability and routine.
(Comprehension)
b. Indians realized they needed to accept Christianity to attain salvation.
c. Natives displayed curiosity when the missionaries prayed.
d. The missionaries convinced the natives the apocalypse was approaching.
Elliker
Fall 2008
2
PRE/POST-TEST
Modified True/False. If the statement is true, write “T” on the line next to the
sentence. If the statement is false, change the underlined word to make the
statement true.(Knowledge)
6. CatholicTheProtestant Church played a key role in the Spanish colonies of the
New World.
7. MulatosPeople of blended African and European decent were known as
Mestizos.
8.
T
The Spaniards imported slaves from Africa.
9. encomienda Plantations in the New World operated on the mercantilism
system.
10. China/India Columbus originally set out to find a more direct trade route to
Persia.
11. Aztec Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Incan Empire.
12.
T The Treaty of Tordesillas established New World boundaries between
Spain and Portugal.
Matching: Match the Spanish explorer on the left with the appropriate
accomplishments on the right. Write the correct letter next to the explorer in the
space provided.(Comprehension)
13. IVasco Nùñez de Balboa
14. JChristopher Columbus
15. GHernando Cortez
A. Settled Peru and conquered the Incas
B. Searched Florida for the Fountain of
Youth
C. Founded St. Augustine, the first
European settlement in America
16. BPonce de Leon
D. Circumnavigated the globe
17. DFerdinand Magellan
E. Established Spanish colony in Brazil
18. AFrancisco Pizarro
F. Discovered the Mississippi River
G. Settled Mexico and conquered the
Aztecs
H. Discovered the Great Lakes
19. FHernando de Soto
I. Discovered the Pacific Ocean while
exploring Panama
Elliker
Fall 2008
3
PRE/POST-TEST
J. Brought first settlement to New World
at Hispaniola
Short Answers. Read each question carefully and respond in the space provided.
20. In the Age of Exploration, individuals from across Europe ventured out into the
unknown world for many reasons. List the “3 G’s” that motivated the Spanish
and explain why they were used as justifications for exploration in the New
World.(Knowledge, Comprehension)

God: the desire to spread Christianity to those who didn’t have it

Gold: the desire to find vast riches and become very wealthy

Glory: the desire to make a name for oneself and bring recognition to
your own country
21. The Columbian Exchange occurred after the settlement of the New World when
new goods, plants, populations, diseases and ideas exchanged between the Old
and New Worlds. List 3 items exchanged in each arrow (6 items total). Make
sure the items are placed in the correct arrow (either coming to the New World
from the Old World or coming to the Old World from the New
World).(Knowledge, Analysis)
Old World to New World
1. horses
2. small pox
3. Christianity
New World to Old World
1. potatoes
2. corn
3. tobacco
Elliker
Fall 2008
4
PRE/POST-TEST
Essay. Respond to one of the three the questions below in paragraph form. Use the
themes below as a starting point in your thinking in order to draw connections
between your answer and factual evidence. (Application, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Be sure to clearly indicate which question you are answering.
As historians, we study the past in order to make better judgments about the future.
In each of the prompts below you should consider factual information and make an
informed judgment about your situation.Draw into your response at least 6 key
facts about the Spanish conquest of the New World to support your answer.
THEMES TO CONSIDER…
RELIGION
GOVERNMENT
DISEASE
CULTURE
AGRICULTURE
SOCIAL/CLASS STRUCTURE
ECONOMY
Elliker
TECHNOLOGY

You are a Spanish soldier who has come to the Americas in the 16th
century. In your opinion, has your expedition been successful? Why
or why not? Make sure to explain your personal motivations in coming
across the Atlantic, where your expedition has taken you and what
results you have encountered.

You are a member of the royal court of Spain. As an official advisor to the
King and Queen, you supported the decision to send voyages to the New
World. The first expeditions have begun to return. They bring exotic
goods and peoples back with them. With the benefit of hindsight, what
do you wish you had known before you sent over Spaniards to
America? Be sure to explain how things would be different with your
new knowledge and why this information would be vital to the mission.

You are a Native American leader living in the New World in the late
1500s. As you have grown older, you want to pass on the lessons of your
lifetime with the future generations. What advice will you pass on to
your children and grandchildren based on your dealings with
Europeans? What have you learned? Be sure to use factual reasons for
your opinions.
Fall 2008