Instructions
Read the interesting facts about Christopher Columbus below. Answer the questions that follow to test your understanding!
Interesting Facts about Christopher Columbus:
- Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy.
- He made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
- Columbus believed he could reach Asia by sailing west from Europe.
- He set sail on his first voyage on August 3, 1492, with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María.
- Columbus never actually set foot on the mainland of North America; he landed in the Caribbean islands instead.
- He was convinced he had found a new route to Asia until his death in 1506.
Questions
1. In which year did Christopher Columbus embark on his first voyage?
2. What were the names of the three ships Columbus sailed with?
3. What was Columbus's main goal when he set out to sail west?
4. Did Columbus ever reach the mainland of North America? Explain your answer.
5. Why do you think Columbus is an important figure in history?
6. Draw a picture of one of Columbus's ships below: