Instructions
Answer the following questions about Christopher Columbus in complete sentences. Use the space provided for your responses.
Background
1. Where was Christopher Columbus born, and what did he do before becoming an explorer?
2. What motivated Columbus to want to reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean?
Voyages
3. Describe the three main ships Columbus used in his first voyage. What were their names, and what roles did they play?
4. Who sponsored Columbus's voyages, and what was their motivation for supporting him?
5. On his first voyage, what did Columbus find that changed European perceptions of the world?
Impact
6. What were some of the immediate consequences of Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean?
7. How did Columbus's voyages affect the indigenous populations of the Americas?
Legacy
8. Why is Columbus considered important in world history, despite criticism of his actions?
9. How did Columbus's voyages shape modern maps of the world?
10. What is the modern debate about celebrating Columbus Day, and what are the arguments on both sides?