Sol World History Age of Exploration and Imperialism 2

Question 1

What disease devastated the indigenous populations of the Americas after European contact?

Accepted Answer

Smallpox

Answer

Smallpox, along with measles and other Old World diseases, killed an estimated 50–90% of indigenous American populations after European contact because they had no prior immunity.

Question 2

Which Spanish conquistador conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico between 1519 and 1521?

Accepted Answer

Hernán Cortés

Answer

Hernán Cortés led about 600 Spanish soldiers to overthrow the vast Aztec Empire under Emperor Moctezuma II, aided by indigenous allies and the smallpox epidemic.

Question 3

What was the significance of Vasco da Gama's voyage of 1497–1499?

Accepted Answer

He established the first direct sea route from Europe to India

Answer

Vasco da Gama's voyage established the first all-sea route from Europe to India by sailing around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, revolutionizing trade between Europe and Asia.

Question 4

What economic policy guided European imperialism, emphasizing that colonies existed to benefit the mother country?

Accepted Answer

Mercantilism

Answer

Mercantilism held that colonies existed to provide raw materials for the mother country's manufactured goods, creating a favorable trade balance and accumulating wealth through exports.

Question 5

The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was an uprising against British rule in which country?

Accepted Answer

India

Answer

The Sepoy Mutiny (also called India's First War of Independence) was a widespread but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against British East India Company rule in India.

Sol World History Practice Test

Sol World History Practice Test

Sol World History Age of Exploration and Imperialism 2