Chapter 1

Quiz for Document 1-3: Christopher Columbus, Journal of the First Voyage (1492)

Reader Quiz

Chapter 1c

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Question 1

What does Columbus’s account of his meeting with the natives suggest about what motivated him to explore the islands, beyond the search for riches?A. Hearing from the natives that they had been attacked by other groups, Columbus was seeking the Asians he believed must be nearby.
B. Seeing the variety of foods available to the natives, Columbus was interested in learning more about their agricultural practices.
C. Considering the future usefulness of the islands to Spain, Columbus wanted to know more about their navigability for shipping.
D. Puzzled by the natives’ lack of wealth and weapons, Columbus was determined to find the king who he believed kept them impoverished.

Question 2

What do the detailed impressions of native culture and society recorded by Columbus reveal about long-term intentions toward the native inhabitants?A. Columbus intended to incorporate the islands in a trade network.
B. Native inhabitants were too well armed and organized to be subjugated.
C. The islands’ inhabitants could be quickly and easily subjugated and converted.
D. Very little would be gained by Spain by pursuing any involvement with the islands’ inhabitants.

Question 3

What sources of potential wealth does Columbus identify in his account?A. Cotton and gold
B. Fruits and grains
C. Sugar and spices
D. Tobacco and silver