Sol World History Age of Exploration and Imperialism 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What disease devastated the indigenous populations of the Americas after European contact?
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Smallpox (Correct answer)
- Yellow fever
Correct answer: Smallpox
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?
- Francisco Pizarro
- Hernán Cortés (Correct answer)
- Vasco Núñez de Balboa
- Juan Ponce de León
Correct answer: Hernán Cortés
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?
- He discovered the Americas
- He established the first direct sea route from Europe to India (Correct answer)
- He circumnavigated the globe
- He mapped the African coast for the first time
Correct answer: He established the first direct sea route from Europe to India
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?
- Free trade
- Capitalism
- Mercantilism (Correct answer)
- Communism
Correct answer: Mercantilism
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?
- China
- Egypt
- India (Correct answer)
- South Africa
Correct answer: India
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.
Question 6: Which European nation controlled the most territory in Africa following the Scramble for Africa?
- Germany
- Belgium
- France
- Britain (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Britain
Britain controlled the most African territory following the Scramble for Africa, including Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and numerous other territories.
Sol World History Age of Exploration and Imperialism 2
What disease devastated the indigenous populations of the Americas after European contact?